Cochrane Systematic Review Antiviral Treatment for Bell’s Palsy: an Opposing Opinion!

Abstract

This articles discusses the recently published Cochrane systematic review (CSR) on antiviral treatment for Bell’s palsy. The CSR concluded that there was no clear difference in rates of incomplete recovery between combination therapy and corticosteroids alone. The conclusions of this CSR are in our opinion misleading, illogical, and based on an overly restrictive view on the use of evidence. This article shows that the majority of studies are in favor of the combination therapy in regard to recovery and reduction of long-term sequelae. Based on all available evidence, the combination of antivirals and corticosteroids seems to be a useful treatment option and should be discussed with patients by shared decision-making.