Efficacy of Prednisolone Versus Cerebrolysin in the Treatment of Bell's Palsy

This study compares two treatments for Bell's palsy — prednisolone (a corticosteroid) versus Cerebrolysin (a neuropeptide-based medication) — to determine which is more effective at restoring facial muscle function. Bell's palsy is a sudden, unexplained weakness or paralysis of one side of the face caused by inflammation of the facial nerve. Most people recover, but recovery can take weeks to months, and some are left with lasting facial weakness. Corticosteroids like prednisolone are the current standard treatment, but Cerebrolysin has shown nerve-regenerating properties in other conditions and may be beneficial here. To be eligible, participants must have a confirmed unilateral acute facial palsy with no identifiable cause (i.e., true Bell's palsy). People who have had prior Bell's palsy, are pregnant, have diabetes, epilepsy, severe hypertension, kidney or liver disease, stomach ulcers, ear infections, recent head injury, psychiatric illness, or contraindications to steroids are excluded. Participants are randomly assigned to one of the two treatments and monitored for facial nerve recovery using standardized grading scales. This research matters because Bell's palsy, while often self-limiting, can cause significant distress — including difficulty eating, speaking, and closing the eye — and incomplete recovery affects quality of life. A more effective treatment could shorten the duration of symptoms and reduce the risk of permanent disability.