What are the treatment options for bell's palsy?

Steroids first: If pain is present, steroids should be given promptly. Since many cases are thought due to herpesvirus, the combination of steroids and an antiviral, such as zovirax, (acyclovir) is often used. Of course that doesn't always work. Corneal protection (eye patches & drops) should be used if eye closure is incomplete. Facial massage to affected areas preserves muscle flexibility until nerve healing occurs.

Steroids?: Although the vast majority of patients with bell's may fully recover without treatment, most neurologists would utilize several days to weeks of steroid treatment, and perhaps add b vitamins. Rarely, surgical decompression has been employed, but often results are disappointing. In those very rare cases of irreversibility, neurosurgeons can use the hypoglossal nerve to improve facial nerve fnctn.