Treating recurrent Bell’s palsy: Would antiviral prophylaxis be useful?
Abstract
Bell’s palsy is the commonest cause of acute VII-nerve weakness, with first-episode incidence typically 15 per 100,000 [ 1 ]. Although most attacks are self-limiting, 215% of patients experience further episodes [ 2 ]. This recurrence leads to delayed recovery and compounds functional and psychosocial disability. The clinical dilemma is stark: guidelines, evidence and even pathophysiological models have been constructed almost around first attacks, leaving clinicians to extrapolate when Bell’s recurs [ 2 ].
Fields of Study & Subjects
Facial Nerve Paralysis Treatment and Research
Temporomandibular Joint Disorders
Herpesvirus Infections and Treatments
Publication details
- Journal / source
- Journal of Translational Medicine
- Volume
- 24
- Issue
- 1
- Pages
- 124–124
- Publication date
- 2 February 2026
- Language
- EN