brain, spinal cord, and nerve disorders
Bell Palsy
Treatment of Bell Palsy
Eye drops or a patch to protect the cornea Sometimes a corticosteroid The eye must be protected from dryness to reduce the risk of eye damage. Eye drops consisting of artificial tears or a salt (saline) solution can be frequently applied to the eye. People may need to wear an eye patch some of the time, particularly during sleep. Rarely, in severe cases, the upper and lower eyelids are sewn together. A corticosteroid, such asprednisone, is given by mouth to reduce swelling of the nerve. Taking a corticosteroid slightly speeds and improves recovery of movement if it is given within the first 3 days after symptoms begin. Whether antiviral medications help is unclear—even the antiviral medications that are effective against the herpes simplex and shingles viruses (such asacyclovir,famciclovir, andvalacyclovir). These viruses may cause Bell palsy. 