Prednisone in idiopathic facial paralysis (Bell's palsy)

76 patients with severe Bell's palsy were treated for a short period with high doses of prednisone (60 mg for 4 days and from the 5th day on the dose was reduced every day by 5 mg). The treatment was started within the 1st week of onset. The onset, the course and the recovery of the paralysis were carefully evaluated. The facial recovery is presented in such way as to make possible comparison with other series of recovery after Bell's palsy.