Can Steroids Relieve Bell’s Palsy Symptoms? 

Those who are dealing with Bell’s palsy can experience moderate to severe facial paralysis. This can make it difficult for someone to smile, frown, or produce other facial expressions. And, it may lead people to consider many treatment options, including steroids for Bell’s palsy.

Are Steroids for Bell’s Palsy Safe and Effective?

In one study, the safety and efficacy of steroids for Bell’s palsy side effects over 10 days were evaluated. The double-blind study involved 496 patients 16 years of age and older who had unilateral facial weakness with no identifiable cause. Researchers used the House-Brackmann scale to measure participants’ degree of initial facial paralysis. 

Study researchers compared the recovery of participants who received the corticosteroid prednisolone to those who did not. They ultimately concluded that prednisolone can improve the chances of complete recovery from Bell’s palsy and other forms of facial paralysis.  

Furthermore, the aforementioned study put to rest the idea that antivirals can be used in combination with steroids to treat Bell’s palsy. The study showed that steroid therapy can help Bell’s palsy patients improve muscle movement in the paralyzed side of their face. Conversely, the study also proved that when antivirals and steroids were used together, patients did not see any significant decrease in their facial paralysis symptoms.

What Is the Best Bell’s Palsy Medication?

Steroids for Bell’s palsy are among the facial paralysis medicine options available. In addition to steroids, antiviral medications can be used to help patients dealing with Bell’s palsy symptoms. However, there is no guarantee that steroids and/or antivirals will alleviate these symptoms. 

To determine if medication can be used to address Bell’s palsy, it is paramount to meet with a doctor. At this point, a doctor can perform testing to assess a patient’s symptoms and their severity. The doctor can also provide an appropriate treatment for Bell’s palsy. 

Oftentimes, Bell’s palsy symptoms will disappear on their own within a few weeks or months of onset. But, if these symptoms linger for eight months or longer, additional help may be necessary. 

Dr. Babak Azizzadeh of The Facial Paralysis Institute is a world-renowned facial plastic and reconstructive surgeon who assists patients coping with Bell’s palsy. If Bell’s palsy symptoms persist for many months, Dr. Azizzadeh can work with a patient to correct these symptoms. Dr. Azizzadeh can evaluate the patient and their symptoms. He may even recommend non-surgical or surgical treatment options to help his patient achieve long-term symptomatic relief.

How Does Dr. Azizzadeh Treat Bell’s Palsy Symptoms? 

Dr. Azizzadeh understands the importance of providing the best care to his patients suffering from Bell’s palsy. He has treated many patients afflicted with the disorder in the past. As part of his efforts, he educates patients about Bell’s palsy and how it impacts the facial nerve.

Bell’s palsy is a form of facial paralysis that occurs as an inflammation of the facial nerve. There is no known reason for Bell’s palsy, but the condition has been linked to the activation of a form of the herpes virus. 

Research indicates Bell’s palsy affects nearly one out of every 65 people at some point during their lives. Onset of the condition can occur rapidly; in some cases, Bell’s palsy symptoms escalate quickly over the course of a few hours. 

When a person experiences Bell’s palsy, one half of their face can become paralyzed. Because the facial nerve becomes inflamed, messages are blocked from the brain, causing the affected person to lose their ability to move one side of their face. 

In extreme cases, Bell’s palsy symptoms do not subside. If left uncorrected, these symptoms can be permanent. And, they may require additional facial paralysis treatment aside from steroids, antivirals, and even Botox injections.

Dr. Azizzadeh recognizes every Bell’s palsy patient is different. So, Dr. Azizzadeh tailors each treatment to his patient. Dr. Azizzadeh conducts a thorough patient evaluation, so he can identify a safe, effective treatment for him or her. He then provides several treatment options. Plus, Dr. Azizzadeh works closely with his patient to ensure he or she can achieve the optimal treatment results. 

Schedule a Bell’s Palsy Treatment Consultation with Dr. Azizzadeh

The use of steroids to treat Bell’s palsy may be safe and effective for some patients. Yet, it is still important to be examined by a professional who understands how to treat Bell’s palsy. That way, a patient can find out if he or she can benefit from steroids of other Bell’s palsy treatment options.  

Dr. Azizzadeh is a board-certified facial plastic and reconstructive surgeon who has comprehensive Bell’s palsy treatment expertise. He offers in-person and virtual consultations to anyone considering treatment options to address long-lasting Bell’s palsy symptoms. To learn more or request a consultation with Dr. Azizzadeh, please contact us online or call us today at (310) 657-2203.