Diode low reactive level laser therapy and stellate ganglion block compared in the treatment of facial palsy

Abstract

In 52 patients who presented with peripheral facial paralysis, (idiopathic facial palsy or Bell's palsy). 26 received stellate ganglion block (SGB) therapy. 11 received infrared (8.30 nm) diode laser low reactive level laser therapy (LLLT), and 15 received a combination of both of the above. The data were analysed to compare the effectiveness of the three regimens. Those patients who received only LLLT or the combination of LLLT with SGB showed a similar overall recovery from the paralysis compared to those treated with SGB alone. The group who received LLLT only also demonstrated a slightly belter initial improvement in paralysis scores. No serious side effects were reported in the LLLT group. Taking the above data into consideration, the authors recommend diode laser therapy as a suitable single or adjunctive therapy for facial paralysis which is relatively easy and painless to apply, requires less technical skill, compared with SGB, and has no side-effects. © 1993, International Phototherapy Association. All rights reserved.