EFFECTIVENESS OF LOW-LEVEL LASER

THERAPY IN BELL’S PALSY - A

SYSTEMATIC REVIEW

ABSTRACT:

Background: Bell's palsy is an idiopathic disorder that results in partial or full weakening of one
side of the face, as well as alterations in taste, auditory sensitivity, and salivation and lacrimation
patterns.

Aim: To determine the effectiveness of low-level laser therapy (LLLT) in the treatment of Bell's
palsy through a systematic review method.

Method: We systematically searched international databases, including PubMed, Google Scholar,

and PEDRO, to find eligible articles within the language limitation. All relevant studies that
compared the efficacy of the LLLT with facial electrical stimulation, facial exercise, or facial
massage were included. Among all the studies across the web, six were entered into our systematic
review. The patients in the trials were above 18 years of age and who had unilateral Bell’s palsy
either on the right or left side. The grade of facial recovery was assessed by the facial disability index
(FDI), the Sunnybrook Facial Grading System (SFGS), the House-Brackmann scale (HBS), and for
facial nerve regeneration, the nerve conduction study (NCS) and electromyography (EM). The scores
were taken before as well as after treatment.

Result: All six studies have shown that LLLT is a safe, non-invasive, reliable, and proper alternative
in the treatment of Bell's palsy.

Conclusion: we emphasize that low level laser therapy should be applied along with traditional
bell’s palsy management. There were no reported adverse effects during treatment and/or follow-up
sessions.

KEYWORDS: Bell’s Palsy, LLLT, Low Level Laser Therapy