THE ROLE OF ANTIVIRAL THERAPY IN BELL’S PALSY RECOVERY

Author Name: 1. Acsah Regulas

Volume/Issue: 05/02

Country: India

DOI NO.: 08.2020-25662434 DOI Link: https://doi-ds.org/doilink/07.2024-19722564/UIJIR

Affiliation:

1. Lecture Suyog College of Nursing, Mysore, Karnataka, India

ABSTRACT

Bell’s palsy, a condition characterized by the sudden onset of unilateral facial paralysis, is predominantly idiopathic but often associated with viral infections, particularly Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV). The use of antiviral therapy in conjunction with corticosteroids has been a subject of ongoing debate in the medical community. This paper explores the role of antiviral agents, specifically acyclovir and valacyclovir, in the recovery of Bell’s palsy. It synthesizes findings from randomized controlled trials, meta-analyses, and clinical guidelines to evaluate the efficacy of antiviral therapy in improving functional outcomes and recovery rates. While corticosteroids remain the cornerstone of treatment due to their proven effectiveness in reducing inflammation and promoting nerve recovery, the addition of antiviral therapy appears to offer marginal benefits in select patient populations, particularly those presenting with severe paralysis or evidence of viral reactivation. The analysis suggests that early intervention with a combined therapeutic approach may enhance recovery prospects, although the extent of benefit remains modest. Further research is warranted to identify biomarkers that predict response to antiviral therapy and to refine treatment protocols for optimal patient outcomes.

Key words: Antiviral, Bells Palsy