Professional and Linguistic Assessments Board (PLAB) Practice Exam

What is the first-line treatment for Bell's palsy?

1. Prednisolone and eye drops

2. Analgesics only

3. Physical therapy alone

4. Antiviral medication only

The correct answer is: Prednisolone and eye drops

The first-line treatment for Bell's palsy typically involves the use of corticosteroids, with prednisolone being the most commonly prescribed. This is because corticosteroids help to reduce inflammation and swelling of the facial nerve, which can contribute to the symptoms of Bell's palsy, such as facial weakness or paralysis. Administering eye drops is also critical in managing this condition, especially for protecting the cornea if the eyelid is unable to close properly due to facial weakness. This dual approach is essential — not only addressing the inflammation with medication but also providing symptomatic relief to protect the eyes and aid in recovery. Other treatments, such as analgesics, physical therapy, or antiviral medications, may be considered in various contexts, but they do not serve as the first-line intervention in most cases of Bell's palsy. Analgesics alone do not address the underlying inflammation, physical therapy may be helpful but is not the primary treatment, and antivirals are typically reserved for specific cases, such as when there is strong evidence of a viral infection.