Evaluation of Cortisone Treatment in Children With Acute Facial Nerve Palsy

This study tests whether cortisone (a steroid medication) can help children recover faster and more completely from sudden facial nerve palsy — a condition where one side of the face droops unexpectedly, similar to Bell's palsy in adults. Facial palsy can be frightening for children and families, and while most cases improve on their own, treatment with steroids may speed up recovery. However, less is known about the best treatment approach specifically for children. The study is a randomized controlled trial where children will receive either cortisone or a placebo, and their recovery will be tracked over 12 months. It is open to children aged 1 to 17 years who have had sudden one-sided facial nerve palsy within the past 72 hours. You may be eligible if: - Your child is between 1 and 17 years old - Your child has an acute, one-sided (peripheral) facial nerve palsy - Symptoms started less than 72 hours ago You may NOT be eligible if: - Your child has had a head injury within the last month - Your child has bilateral (both-sided) facial palsy or a central cause - Your child has conditions that prevent cortisone use (e.g., diabetes, hypertension, active tuberculosis) - Your child has a current or past cancer diagnosis - Your child has signs of herpes infection in or around the ear - Your child is pregnant or breastfeeding Talk to your doctor to see if this trial is right for you.