Comparative advantages and shortcomings of corticosteroids in comparison with xylocaine-based perineural blocks in treatment of Bell's palsy.

Introduction There are no established doctrines for treating Bells facial nerve paralysis (Bell's palsy), as there are still controversies in relation to the etiology of the disease. According to available sources 75% of all patients experience minor damage to the myelin sheath, thus usually recovering spontaneously and with no particular treatment. However, the rest of the patients may, without adequate treatment, experience a host of serious complications, starting from prolonged weakness of facial muscles, syncretism, hyperkinesias, contractions, even complete paralysis of facial muscles. All this may eventually lead to pronounced psychological problems. The initial therapy administered by maxillofacial surgeons is different from the one prescribed by neurologist, since maxillofacial surgeons recommend nerve blocks using 2% Xylocaine introduced in the stylomastoid area, accompanied by vitamin, anti-viral and non-corticosteroid anti-edema treatment.