Bell's palsy-beneficial effect of treatment with adrenocorticotrophic hormone (ACTH) in patients with a poor prognosis.

In 111 patients with idiopathic peripheral facial paralysis (Bell's palsy) the prognosis was established during the first days of the disease, using sialometry and the stapedius reflex test in 102 patients. A poor prognosis was indicated in 36 patients. Treatment with adrenocorticotrophic hormone (ACTH) was commenced within 10 days (in the majority within 5 days) of the onset of the paresis in 31 of those patients with a poor prognosis. The recovery rate in the ACTH-treated group was superior compared with the untreated control group of patients with a poor prognosis. The difference is statistically significant. Those patients with a good prognosis were not treated but merely followed up. Some factors which could influence the result of the treatment are considered.