The efficacy of low level laser therapy in the treatment of Bell's palsy in diabetic patients

Abstract

The most common causes of the abrupt onset of unilateral facial weakness are stroke and Bell’s palsy. The drug regimen plus electrical stimulation was more effective in treating Bell’s palsy than the conventional drug treatment alone. We aimed to evaluate more effective and safe for treatment of Bell’s palsy. Materials and Methods: This clinical interventional study was conducted on 10 diabetic patients with Bell’s palsy who presented to pain clinic over one year and were treated by low level laser. The system of House- Brackman was used for severity of damage and patients were evaluated by electromyography and nerve conduction velocity before and after treatment of low level laser .These patients did consume any other medication for facial nerve palsy. Results: In present study, 10 cases with poor control diabetes mellitus (6 females, 4 males) were studied. After 12 sessions low level laser therapy, we could observe complete recovery in 6 patients after 1 month and in 8 patients after 3months. Any of 6 patients had not experienced recurrent palsy at follow up period.