Electrical Stimulation to Promote Recovery in Bells Palsy

Pilot Clinical Trial to Study Facial Electrical Stimulation to Promote Recovery in Patients With Bell's Palsy and Poor Prognostic Factors

A feasibility pilot study to exam the necessary methodology for conducting a larger clinical trial for Bell's Palsy patients with a poor prognosis and the use of electrical stimulation.

Here we describe a protocol for a prospective, randomized, double-blinded study to evaluate the effects of monophasic pulsed current ES on patients with Bell's palsy and factors predicting poor recovery, with a 6 month follow up. Motor level stimulation with a pulse duration of 100 μsec and a frequency of 35 pulses per second were chosen from focus group with physical therapist to treat facial paralysis and are consistent with clinical trials showing motor benefit after capel tunnel surgery.

Inclusion Criteria:

• New diagnosis of bell's palsy (diagnosed in the last 30 days)
• IF younger than 60 years of age must have complete paralysis on one side of face or both
• IF older than 60 years of age paralysis must be present but CAN be incomplete.

Exclusion Criteria:

• Paralysis associated with any of the fallowing: cancer, tumor, surgery, stroke, or trauma.
• Younger than 60 years old with INCOMPLETE paralysis.
• Non English speakers
• Pacemaker or deep brain stimulator