CKS is no longer commissioned by the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE). NICE remains committed to providing a replacement service for CKS and is currently reviewing its options. In the meantime, although CKS content is now not being maintained, it still remains relevant and will continue to be made available. CKS content was generated under a programme of topic creation and update. To check if the topic you are viewing is current or out of date, please refer to the topic publication details by clicking on the 'How up-to-date is this topic?' link in the left hand menu on individual topic pages.
Bell's palsy - Management
What advice can I give people with Bell's palsy?
- Reassure the person that the prognosis is good: 85% of people with Bell's palsy make a full recovery within 9 months [Sullivan et al, 2007].
- It is important to keep the affected eye lubricated. If the cornea is exposed after attempting to close the eyes, immediate referral to an ophthalmologist is required.
- Lubricating eye drops should be used during the day, and eye ointment used at night [DTB, 2006].
- If the ability to close the eye at night is impaired, then people should be advised to tape the eye closed at bedtime using microporous tape.
© NHS Institute for Innovation and Improvement