Intermittent wave stimulation electroacupuncture significantly improved facial symmetry and nerve function in chronic Bell's palsy patients compared to transcutaneous electrical stimulation.
This study employed a 6-week assessor-blinded, randomized trial followed by an 18-week observational period. Sixty individuals suffering from chronic Bell's palsy, who had not shown signs of recovery after a year, were randomly designated to either receive 18 sessions of electroacupuncture using intermittent wave stimulation or transcutaneous electrical stimulation. These sessions took place three times per week over the course of 6 weeks.
Although the primary consideration was the change in total facial nerve index score from the start to the end of Week 6, secondary outcomes included scores at Weeks 12 and 24, and changes in Sunnybrook Facial Grading System score from the beginning to the end of Week 6 and subsequent measurements at Weeks 12 and 24.
The results showed that the electroacupuncture group had a significant improvement in their facial nerve index score by Week 6 compared to the transcutaneous electrical stimulation group. This significant improvement was maintained throughout the 24 week follow-up period. Albeit no noticeable differences were seen in Sunnybrook Facial Grading System score changes from the beginning to Week 6, variations were identified at weeks 12 and 24. No considerable adverse effects were reported throughout the study.
