Q. A 55-year-old man presents with acute left-sided facial paralysis that began 36 hours ago. Examination shows complete left facial weakness, including inability to close the eye. There is no vesicular rash, vertigo, hearing loss, or other neurologic deficits. The patient has poorly controlled diabetes mellitus with frequent hypoglycemic episodes and prior severe steroid intolerance. Which of the following is the most appropriate management strategy?