Laser acupuncture and photobiomodulation therapy have been found effective in reducing symptoms in patients suffering from Bell's palsy lasting over 8 weeks.
In this study, a randomized controlled trial was performed from May 2021 to April 2023 on patients diagnosed with Bell's palsy with a duration of over 8 weeks. They were from the out-patient Department of Otorhinolaryngology in Beijing Tongren Hospital. The patients were divided into two groups: one receiving a class IV laser treatment thrice weekly for a total of 72 sessions, and the control group receiving the same treatment regimen without the laser parameter.
After the treatment, there was a significant difference observed in the facial nerve grading system and pathologic numbers of electroneuronography between the two groups. Furthermore, secondary outcome measures like Sunnybrook facial grading system, electromyography, and the blink reflex also varied noticeably between the groups. These variations indicate a notable impact of laser acupuncture on the alleviation of Bell's palsy symptoms, suggesting it's effectiveness as a worthy line of symptom management for the disease. It is also observed that more refined grades of symptom severity can be derived by analyzing latency and reflex differences between the two groups. This has potential to guide clinical management decisions in the future to better cater to the individual needs of patients.
