Laser acupuncture for treating Bell's palsy
Efficacy of Laser Acupuncture for Idiopathic Bell's Palsy: a Randomized Controlled Trial
This study is testing if laser acupuncture can help people with Bell's palsy feel better over eight weeks compared to a fake treatment and regular care.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 336 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years to 65 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Beijing Tongren Hospital Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Beijing) |
| Trial ID | NCT06280794 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This clinical trial investigates the efficacy of laser acupuncture therapy in alleviating symptoms of idiopathic Bell's palsy over an 8-week period. A total of 360 patients diagnosed with Bell's palsy will be randomly assigned to one of three groups: laser acupuncture, sham laser acupuncture, or a control group, with all participants receiving oral Prednisolone. The study will utilize various clinical outcome measures, including the House-Brackmann grading system and the Facial Disability Index, to assess the effectiveness of the treatment. The goal is to determine if laser acupuncture can provide significant relief compared to sham treatment and standard care.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults diagnosed with idiopathic Bell's palsy who have a House-Brackmann grade of 3 or higher.
Not a fit: Patients with serious mental illness, neurological disorders, or those who have had Bell's palsy for more than 8 weeks may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this treatment could offer a non-invasive option for patients suffering from Bell's palsy, potentially improving their recovery and quality of life.
How similar studies have performed: While laser acupuncture is a relatively novel approach for treating Bell's palsy, previous studies on photobiomodulation have shown promising results in related conditions.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * 1. Patients diagnosed with idiopathic Bell's Palsy 2.Patients were eligible if they were graded at House-Brackmann grade (HB) 3 or higher. Exclusion Criteria: - 1.Serious mental illness or social problems, and neurological disorders, and systemic diseases, such as malignant tumors, and other serious consumptive diseases. 2. Planning for pregnancy, those in pregnancy, or those who were lactating. 3.Bell's Palsy patients who have a disease course of more than 8 weeks.
Where this trial is running
Beijing
- Beijing TongRen Hospital, Capital Medical University — Beijing, China (Recruiting)
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.