The Efficacy of Low-Level Laser Therapy in the Treatment of Bell’s Palsy in Diabetic Patients

Abstract Introduction: 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 conventional drug treatment alone. We aimed to evaluate more effective and safe for the treatment of Bell’s palsy.Methods: This clinical interventional study was conducted on ۳۰ 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- Brackmann was used for the 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 the present study, ۳۰ cases with poor control diabetes mellitus (۱۸females, ۱۲ males) were studied. After ۱۲ sessions of low-level laser therapy, we could observe complete recovery in ۱۸ patients and partial recovery in ۶ patients after ۳months.Conclusion: Recovery rate showed us that LLLT is a safe, reliable, and proper alternative approach to the treatment of facial nerve palsy especially in the presence of underlying conditions such as diabetes mellitus. Keywords: Low level laser Diabetic patients Bell’s palsy