A Comparative Study to Assess the Effects of Electrical Stimulation in Recent Onset Bell’s Palsy

Background: Electrical stimulation (ES) of facial muscles during the early days of Bell’s palsy always remains controversial. Hence, this study was done to assess the effects of ES in recent onset Bell’s palsy (<7 days). Materials and Methods: In this comparative study, after considering the inclusion and exclusion criteria, 56 participants were randomly divided into two groups. Both the groups received standardised pharmacological therapy with facial exercises, but Group 2 received additional interrupted galvanic stimulation for the initial 3 weeks. Data were collected at the baseline and during subsequent follow-ups at the 3 rd week, 6 th week and 12 th week on the parameters such as House–Brackmann facial nerve grading system score and physical and social/well-being function score according to the Facial Disability Index. Results and Analysis: Statistical analysis was done for 21 cases in each group, as there were five dropouts in each group. A statistically significant improvement was noted in both the groups ( P < 0.001) in all the parameters during all the follow-ups from 0 to 12 weeks, but no statistically significant difference was noted while comparing Group 1 with Group 2 ( P > 0.05 in all parameters during all the follow-ups). Conclusion: ES did not provide any extra benefit to patients suffering from recent onset idiopathic Bell’s palsy over the conventional pharmacological and non-pharmacological rehabilitative measures.