2. Steroids and Antiviral Drugs
As Bell’s palsy can be caused by a viral infection one of the recommended treatments for the condition is the use of antiviral drugs and steroids such as corticosteroids. However, due to the highly addictive nature of steroids, this option is often viewed as a controversial and rather aggressive form of treatment. This owed to the fact that in most cases Bell’s symptoms tend to subside on their own. Both steroids and viral drugs can be administered separately, but sometimes can be administered simultaneously.
According to guidelines provided by the Academy of Otolaryngology, corticosteroids are a possible treatment for the condition only if administered within a period of 72 hours from the time the symptoms of Bell’s start to show. With antiviral drugs only being useful if the cause of Bell’’ is found to be related to a viral infection, and it has to be administered with corticosteroids. Using this form of treatment is only beneficial if the original onset of the condition can be associated with a viral infection.