Effect of transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation and faradic current stimulation on the recovery of Bell's palsy

Abstract

Background: Bell’s palsy is one of the most common problems that affect motor neurons of facial muscles either unilateral or bilateral. It affects the function and quality of life frequently. Therefore, physiotherapists focus on restoring the facial function with different modalities. Electrical stimulation is one of these modalities included in the physiotherapy program to enhance recovery of Bell’s palsy. Purpose: The aim of this study was to examine the effect of transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation and faradic current stimulation on the recovery of Bell’s palsy. Methods: One hundred and ninety-six patients from both genders with unilateral Bell’s palsy; their ages ranged from 15 to 60 years. They were divided randomly into four groups with forty-nine patients in each group. Group A received conventional therapy, group B received transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS), group C received faradic current stimulation, and group D received TENS + faradic current. All patients were assessed at the initial treatment (after 2 weeks of onset), after one month, and at the end of the study by using the House Brackmann Scale (HBS) for the severity of symptoms and facial symmetry which consist of six grades from normal to total paralysis. Results: In group B, there was a statistically significant improvement in grade IV, V, and VI compared to groups A, C, and D while there was no statistically significant difference among the four groups on grade II and III. Conclusion: TENS is more effective in treating moderately severe dysfunctions as well as total paralysis than convention therapy, faradic current and TENS plus faradic current in patients with acute Bell’s palsy.