Prednisolone "Best Treatment" for Bell's Palsy
Researchers in Dundee, Scotland, have discovered that a frequently-prescribed drug can aid people recovering from Bell's Palsy - a condition affecting the face and which can result in partial paralysis. The drug in question, prednisolone, was used in a large-scale assessment of Bell's Palsy, and, in the patients taking it, generated a 95 per cent recovery rate nine months (or less) after first prescribed.
Bell's Palsy is a disease that can attack at any stage in life. Among those it can touch are pregnant women, diabetes patients, and also those with colds, flu and other ailments affecting the respiratory system. Pierce Brosnan and George Clooney are among the celebrities who have suffered from it.
Scientists are still unclear as to what causes the onset of this facial condition, but many anti-viral drugs exists through which it can be treated. These, however, are comparatively expensive.
Now, the Scottish researchers are suggesting that prednisolone - a less costly option - is actually the "best treatment".
In comparison with acyclovir - another anti-viral drug - prednisolone, they said, was capable of producing "significantly" better rates of recovery. Acyclovir, they added, "had little benefit."
In their research, the team observed how 83 per cent of Bell's Palsy patients recovered in full three months after starting the drug, and that this increased to 95 per cent nine months down the line.
The research team was led by Professor Frank Sullivan, who highlighted how the finding would make a "real difference" to patients with the disease. "The present situation...", he said, "...sees a mixture of different treatments given to patients, from steroids to anti-virals to not giving them anything. Around 80% of people get better without any treatment, but our findings significantly improve on that.
"What this study gives us is clear-cut evidence that early treatment with steroids offers by far the best results for complete recovery."
Bell's Palsy is named after the Scottish scientist who first discovered it - Sir Charles Bell. Specifically, it affects the nerve in the face which allows people to shut their eyes/smile. This nerve swells up as the paralysis takes hold.
Professor Sullivan added: "What we have found is that prednisolone can reduce that swelling, so that the nerve can get back to working normally. Unfortunately it would appear that in around 5% of cases the damage caused to the nerve is more permanent and therefore complete recovery is not possible with currently available treatments.
"Early treatment of the condition, with steroids, is the key for patients."
Source - Pharmaceutical International's Health Reporter
