Imagine how frightening it would be to wake up one day, unable to move one side of your face. This is generally how Bell’s palsy announces itself, without warning. It affects about one in 60 people aged 15 to 40, with an even split between the sexes. It’s not certain what causes this paralysis of the facial nerve and there are also uncertainties about how best to treat it. Corticosteroids may be prescribed, to reduce inflammation and limit nerve damage. A viral cause has been suggested so antiviral drugs may be used to treat it and there are other options too. Even without treatment, the paralysis is usually temporary, but recovery can take weeks or months and about one in five people are left with some permanent disfigurement or pain.

There are several Cochrane reviews to help inform decisions about treatment. Before I look at those, here is what happened to 13 year old Max, as told by his Mum, Olivia...

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