bell's palsy

My brother has bell's palsy now for approximately one year. There were minute changes in the beginning and then no more changes thereafter. No surgery was performed and I do not know if my brother took any medicine. What I would like to know is this: is there any new treatment for bell's palsy for a person who has it a year? Are there good treatment centers in the U.S? And is there a place in Israel that I can turn to for information on Bell's Palsy at this time in 2003? I would greatly appreciate any information Sincerely, Laurie Yair

Lack of recovery is sometimes encountered in Bell's palsy but it is certainly rare. I would recommend thorogh investigation to rule out other possible causes, including brain tumor. If no cause is found, the only treatment option is "facial reanimation" which is offered in several centers. In Israel - try the Sheba medical center. In the States, one center which comes to mind is Shadyside Hospital in Pitsburgh.