It is estimated that for every 100,000 people, 25 to 35 people suffer from Bell’s palsy.
According to the study by Murdoch Children’s Hospital professor Franz Babl, most young people with a syndrome that temporarily weakens or paralyzes the muscles of the face recover without medication within six months. The results of the study showed that prednisolone did not affect the recovery of children with Bell’s palsy.
What is Bell’s palsy?
According to information from the Mayo Clinic, Bell’s palsy is a condition that causes sudden weakness in the muscles on one side of the face. In most cases, the weakness is temporary and improves significantly over weeks. Weakness makes half of the face look droopy. The smile is seen on one side and the eye on the affected side cannot close.
Bell’s palsy is also called acute peripheral facial palsy of unknown cause. It can occur at any age, and the cause is not exactly known. Experts believe it is caused by swelling and inflammation of the nerve that controls the muscles on one side of the face.
During the study, 187 people from 6 months of age to 17 years participated, who after 72 hours of presenting symptoms of Bell’s palsy were administered prednisolone or placebo to the children.
According to the study, facial function was restored in 57% of people who did not take any medication after one month, 85% after three months and 93% after six months. In those given prednisolone, recovery rates were 49% after one month, 90% after three months, and 95% after six months.
Based on study information, the most common adverse reactions were brief changes in behavior and increased appetite. No significant side effects were observed during the experiment.
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