Effectiveness of Combination of Electrical Stimulation, Facial Massage and Mirror Exercises on Patients with Bell’s Palsy on Facial Disability.

Abstract

Introduction:Bell’sPalsy   is characterized by inflammation of the facial nerve canal or facial nerve paralysis associated with swelling and inflammation of the stylomastoid muscle, leading to facial weakness, eyelid ptosis, persistent tearing, and eye pain. The incidence of Bell's palsy is 15-20 per 100,000 people.Various physical therapy treatments are available for improving the recovery in individual with Bell’s Palsy including electrical stimulation, facial massage and facial exercises.

Objectives: To find the effectiveness of combining electrical stimulation, facial massage and facial exercises on patients with Bell’s Palsy on Facial Disability.

Methods: Twenty patients (both male and female) having unilateral bell's palsy in the ages between 18-70 and House-Brackmann scores of III-IV were included in the study. The treatment regimen included electrical stimulation, facial massage and facial exercises in front of the mirror. The treatment was given for three weeks. Outcomes were measured by the use of Sunnybrook Facial Grading Scale and Facial Disability Index, both taken before and after 3 weeks of treatment

Results: The data was analyzed using the SPSS version 26. The normality was checked before the analysis. The Sunnybrook Facial Grading Scale and Facial Disability Index(Physical Function and Social Function) was analyzed using the paired t-test(p value <0.05)The results indicate a significant improvement from pre-treatment to post-treatment.

Conclusions: The study concluded that combination of electrical stimulation, facial massage and facial exercises reduces the functional disability in patients with Bell’s Palsy. Therefore, they can be used as a therapeutic treatment for improving the recovery in patients with Bell’ Palsy.