This article comes from Clinical Evidence (2000;3:573-576), a new resource for clinicians produced by the BMJ Publishing Group. Clinical Evidence is an extensively peer-reviewed publication that summarizes the best available evidence on the effects of common clinical interventions gleaned from thorough searches and appraisal of the world literature. It became available in the United States late last year. Please see advertisement for more information or, alternatively, visit the web site at www.evidence.org. QUESTIONS: What are the effects of medical treatment of Bell's palsy in adults and children? How effective is steroid therapy? How effective is antiviral therapy?