Evidence
This page contains a snapshot of featured content which highlights evidence addressing key clinical questions including areas of uncertainty. Please see the main topic reference list for details of all sources underpinning this topic.
BMJ Best Practice evidence tables
Evidence tables provide easily navigated layers of evidence in the context of specific clinical questions, using GRADE and a BMJ Best Practice Effectiveness rating. Follow the links at the bottom of the table, which go to the related evidence score in the main topic text, providing additional context for the clinical question. Find out more about our evidence tables.
This table is a summary of the analysis reported in a Cochrane Clinical Answer that focuses on the above important clinical question.
Confidence in the evidence is high or moderate to high where GRADE has been performed and the intervention is more effective/beneficial than the comparison for key outcomes.
Population: People with Bell’s palsy
Intervention: Corticosteroids ᵃ
Comparison: Placebo or no treatment
| Outcome | Effectiveness (BMJ rating)? | Confidence in evidence (GRADE)? |
|---|---|---|
Incomplete recovery (at ≥ 6 months) | Favors intervention | High |
Cosmetically disabling persistent sequelae (at ≥ 6 months) | No statistically significant difference | Low |
Motor synkinesis and crocodile tears syndrome (at 9-12 months) | Favors intervention | Moderate |
Adverse effects (at 9-12 months) | No statistically significant difference | Moderate |
Note The Cochrane review which underpins this Cochrane Clinical Answer (CCA) notes that ten people with Bell’s palsy need to be treated with corticosteroids in order to avoid one incomplete recovery. The Cochrane review also stated that since there is adequate evidence supporting the use of corticosteroids for Bell’s palsy, future studies should consider only using corticosteroids in control groups rather than placebo or no treatment. ᵃ Various routes of administration and lengths of therapy.
This evidence table is related to the following section/s:
Cochrane Clinical Answers
Cochrane Clinical Answers (CCAs) provide a readable, digestible, clinically focused entry point to rigorous research from Cochrane systematic reviews. They are designed to be actionable and to inform decision making at the point of care and have been added to relevant sections of the main Best Practice text.
- What are the benefits and harms of corticosteroids for people with Bell's palsy?
- What are the benefits and harms of antiviral treatment with or without corticosteroids for people with Bell's palsy (idiopathic facial paralysis)?
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