A 41-year-old man complains of right ear pain, difficulty closing his right eye, and drooping of the right side of his face. He finds that his right ear is sensitive to loud, low-frequency sounds. When a small spoonful of sugar is applied to the right side of his tongue, he says that it tastes like sand. The physical examination identifies right-sided weakness of the upper and lower face. The patient's symptoms started 2 days ago. Which of the following is the most appropriate treatment at this time?

Choice A reason: Aspirin would not address the underlying cause of facial nerve inflammation and offers only analgesic benefit. Choice B reason: Antibiotics are indicated if bacterial infection is present, but this presentation is consistent with Bell’s palsy, which is idiopathic or viral in origin. Choice C reason: Surgery is reserved for cases involving trauma or tumor-related nerve compression, not idiopathic facial paralysis. Choice D reason: Corticosteroids are the first-line treatment for Bell’s palsy, which is an acute, unilateral facial nerve paralysis due to inflammation and edema of the facial nerve. Steroids reduce nerve swelling and improve recovery of function if initiated within 72 hours of symptom onset.