Complete recovery may take a few months. Only about 10 percent of patients are left with a poor outcome. Those who tend to have some long-term effects are persons who have rapid paralysis within a few days of onset. About 60 percent of patients recover completely without treatment. There are different opinions about the best way to treat Bell's Palsy.
Some doctors believe that no treatment is needed, whereas others prescribe cortisone-like drugs.
A middle position may be to treat with medicines when the paralysis is rapid and complete, or if there is severe pain. Surgical procedures have not been helpful. It is important to protect the eye if the eyelid cannot close. Eyedrops or eye ointment and a patch will be needed if this in this case. Sometimes physical therapy is helpful.