Antivirals alone have shown no benefit compared with placebo. The role of antivirals remains unsettled. Steroids started early improve the likelihood of complete recovery.Īntiviral drugs. Corticosteroids may work best if they're started within several days of when your symptoms started. If they can reduce the swelling of the facial nerve, the nerve will fit more comfortably within the bony corridor that surrounds it. These are powerful anti-inflammatory agents. MedicationsĬommonly used medications to treat Bell's palsy include: In severe cases of Bell's palsy, an eye doctor may need to monitor the eye. Wearing glasses or goggles during the day and an eye patch at night can protect your eye from getting poked or scratched. Using lubricating eye drops during the day and an eye ointment at night will help keep your eye moist. Surgery is rarely an option for Bell's palsy.īecause the eye on the affected side doesn't close, it's important to take steps to protect and care for that eye. But your health care provider may suggest medications or physical therapy to help speed your recovery. There's no one-size-fits-all treatment for Bell's palsy. Most people with Bell's palsy recover fully - with or without treatment.
