Laser Acupuncture for Idiopathic Bell's Palsy: a Randomized Controlled Trial

What this Trial Is About

Bell's palsy is a condition marked by sudden one-sided facial weakness that affects appearance and daily life, impacting social, work, and emotional well-being. Researchers are evaluating whether laser acupuncture can reduce symptoms in people diagnosed with idiopathic Bell's palsy who have moderate to severe facial paralysis, classified as House-Brackmann grade 3 or higher. The trial randomly assigned 360 patients into three groups: one received laser acupuncture plus oral prednisolone, another received sham laser acupuncture plus prednisolone, and the third was a control group receiving only prednisolone. The laser acupuncture groups underwent 12 sessions over 4 weeks, three times per week, using a special laser device targeting specific facial and body acupuncture points. Prednisolone was given orally over 12 days in a tapering dose. Participants are assessed using several facial function scales including the House-Brackmann grading system, Sunnybrook facial grading scale, Facial Disability Index, and Facial Clinimetric Evaluation Scale. These evaluations occur at the start and at 2, 4, 6, 8, 12, and 24 weeks to monitor changes. The study aims to measure improvement in facial movement and disability over time while monitoring safety and treatment effects throughout the 24-week follow-up period.

Laser Acupuncture for Idiopathic Bell's Palsy