Incomplete Enrollment in Clinical Trials

Abstract

Bell palsy (idiopathic facial nerve paralysis) in children typically resolves, but there can be prolonged periods of functional and cosmetic impairment.1 Facial paralysis can reappear after initial resolution. Steroid treatment is typically prescribed in adults, but in children, the risk:benefit ratio might not be as favorable.2 A previous uncontrolled, unblinded, small clinical trial showed no difference between treated (oral methylprednisolone) and untreated groups of children with Bell palsy. Together, these findings suggest that there remains a question about how to best manage children with Bell palsy.3 The American Academy of Neurology called for further studies of children with Bell palsy in these pages.2