Acyclovir and prednisolone combined treatment for bell's palsy

Abstract

Aim: To evaluate the efficacy of acyclovir and prednisolone combination in treating patients with Idiopathic Facial Nerve Paralysis (Bell's palsy). Methods: This is a prospective study, conducted between June 2010 and February 2013 on 150 patients with Bell's palsy in Royal Medical Services hospitals in Jordan, who were treated within 7 days of the onset with a combination of acyclovir (dosage, 400 mg five times daily for 5 days) and prednisolone 1mg/kg daily. Results: Using the House-Brackmann Scale system, recovery from the palsy was defined as grade (I or II). Patients were followed until complete recovery occurred or for 6 months in cases with incomplete recovery . The rate of patient recovery in those treated with acyclovir and prednisolone (A+P) (92.5%) was significantly better (p < 0.05) than the rate in those treated with prednisolone alone (P) (83.7%). Conclusion: Acyclovir combined with prednisolone therapy was more effective in treating idiopathic facial nerve paralysis, than the conventional prednisolone therapy alone.