| abstract |
A therapy for Bell's Palsy in mammals is proposed that rests on a causal hypothesis involving both endothelin and the herpes virus, particularly the herpes simplex virus for Bell's Palsy. Similarly, the same therapy would apply to Ramsay Hunt, but in this case the herpes zoster virus would be involved in the causal hypothesis. Other herpes viral related conditions are also suggested to be amenable such as herpes simplex encephalitis. The therapy uses therapeutically effective doses of calcium channel blockers that are of the 1,4-dihydropyridine derivative class, such as felodipine but also including nifedidine, nimodipine, nisodipine or alenodipine. The treatment is proposed as continuing up to the tenth day of progression, but to be started as early as possible. Acyclovir or other herpes antagonists such as famciclovir may also be administered in therapeutically effective dosages. |