Use of laser therapy in the treatment of patients with Bell's palsy: A critical review of the literature

Abstract

This review aimed to identify the evidence about the effectiveness of laser therapy in the treatment of Bell's palsy. It included clinical trials indexed in the Pubmed, SciELO, and Lilacs databases, and from the gray literature, with no date limit. Five studies were included, of which two had a level of evidence I, and three a level of evidence III. Low-level laser therapy was the most frequent treatment, and the combined therapies were facial exercises with massages, magnetic therapy, star-crossed ganglion block, and biofeedback/electromyography. In conclusion, few studies of good methodological quality and levels of evidence have been published to ensure the effectiveness of laser therapy in the treatment of Bell's palsy. However, the results suggest the sequels of Bell's palsy are reduced or resolved in patients treated with laser, associated or not with other therapies.