Bell’s palsy management: Acyclovir in combination with prednisolone versus prednisolone alone–a comparative study

Abstract

Background: Bell’s palsy is an idiopathic facial nerve palsy of sudden onset. There are controversies regarding its optimal treatment. The objective of this study was to find out whether prednisolone and acyclovir given in combination is superior to prednisolone alone.

Methods: This hospital-based comparative study was carried out in Neurology Unit, Postgraduate Medical Institute, Lady Reading Hospital Peshawar, from January 2009 to September 2011. A total of 415 patients with Bell’s palsy, aged >7 years were randomly assigned to two groups. Group A received prednisolone and acyclovir in combination while Group B received prednisolone alone. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 15.0.

Results: Out of 415 patients, 185(44.58%) were males and 230(55.42%) females. Mean age was 38.52+11.42 years. Group A had 209 patients and Group B 206. They were followed for 4 months. Group A had 94.7% recovery rate while Group B had 87.3% (p<0.05).

Conclusion: Acyclovir and prednisolone in combination is more beneficial than prednisolone alone in the treatment of Bell’s palsy.