scholarly journals Effects of Laser Acupuncture Therapy for Patients With Inadequate Recovery From Bell’s Palsy: Preliminary Results From Randomized, Double-Blind, Sham-Controlled Study

2021 ◽  
Vol 12 (1) ◽  
pp. e70-e70
Author(s):  
Gil Ton ◽  
Li-Wen Lee ◽  
Wen-Chao Ho ◽  
Cheng-Hao Tu ◽  
Yi-Hung Chen ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Pilot Study ◽  
Acupuncture Therapy ◽  
Large Scale ◽  
Bell’S Palsy ◽  
Low Level Laser Therapy ◽  
Laser Acupuncture ◽  
Controlled Study ◽  
Clinical Effects ◽  
Bell's Palsy ◽  
Significant Difference

Introduction: Inadequate recovery from Bell’s palsy exists in a third of patients and results in physical and social impairments. The controversial nature of existing medical treatment options means that novel, alternative approaches are needed. In basic and clinical studies, low-level laser therapy (LLLT) has proven successful in regenerating peripheral nerves. Laser acupuncture therapy (LAT) is a rapidly growing treatment modality; however, its effectiveness for treating chronic Bell’s palsy is unknown. The feasibility of this innovative approach is the focus of this pilot study. Methods: A two-armed, parallel, randomized, investigator-subject-assessor-blinded, sham-controlled pilot study was conducted, and 17 eligible subjects were randomly allocated to either LAT (n=8) or sham LAT (n=9). The LAT group received three treatments each week for six weeks (18 sessions), while the sham LAT group received the same procedure but with a sham laser device. The change from baseline to week 6 in the social subscale of the Facial Disability Index (FDI) was the primary outcome. Secondary outcomes were changes in the House-Brackmann facial paralysis scale (HB), the Sunnybrook facial grading system (SB) and a stiffness scale at weeks 3 and 6. Results: A significant difference was shown in the HB score (P=0.0438) between baseline and week 3 and borderline significance was observed in both SB and stiffness scores from baseline to week 6 (P=0.0598 and P=0.0980 respectively). There was no significant difference in the FDI score between baseline and week 6. Conclusion: To the best of our knowledge, this clinical trial is the first such investigation on this topic. Our findings suggest that using LAT may have clinical effects on long-term complications of Bell’s palsy and justify further large-scale studies.

scholarly journals A Pilot Study to Investigate the Efficacy of Nicotine Oral Soluble Film, Lozenge and Gum in Relief of Acute Smoking Cue-provoked Craving for Cigarette in Low Dependence Smokers

2014 ◽  
Vol 10 (2) ◽  
pp. 87-95 ◽  
Author(s):  
Daniel Du ◽  
James Borders ◽  
Alex Selmani ◽  
William Waverczak
Keyword(s):  
Pilot Study ◽  
Early Time ◽  
Controlled Study ◽  
Nicotine Gum ◽  
Open Label ◽  
Time Points ◽  
Smoking Cues ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Nicotine Lozenge

Introduction: A new nicotine film that releases nicotine quickly may lead to faster craving relief.Aims: This study compares the efficacy of 2.5 mg nicotine film with 2 mg nicotine lozenge and 2 mg nicotine gum on relieving provoked craving in low dependence smokers.Methods: A randomised, open-label, active comparators controlled study was conducted in 120 subjects. Subjects were abstinent from smoking for 4 hours prior to being provoked with smoking cues. After post-provocation craving assessment, subjects were administered one dose of the 3 treatments: nicotine film, lozenge, or gum. Craving intensity was then assessed at 50 seconds, 3, 5, 7, 15, 20, 25 and 30 minutes after administration.Results/Findings: Three treatments reduced craving with similar maximum effects. The effect was maintained up to 30 minutes. Nicotine film significantly reduced more craving than lozenge at 50 seconds, 3 and 5 minutes. It also significantly reduced more craving than gum at 50 seconds and 3 minutes. There was no significant difference between lozenge and gum.Conclusions: Nicotine film, lozenge and gum have similar maximum craving relief. Nicotine film significantly reduced more craving than lozenge and gum at early time points. Nicotine film may be particularly useful to provide acute craving relief.

scholarly journals Comparative Review of the Correlation Between Electroneurography, Electromyography, Hematology Tests, or the Heart Rate Variability Test, with an Improvement in the Severity of Bell’s Palsy Symptoms

2021 ◽  
Vol 38 (3) ◽  
pp. 192-199
Author(s):  
Ji-Min Hwang ◽  
Jun-Yeon Kim ◽  
Ha-Na Kim ◽  
Kyeong-Ju Park ◽  
Min-Gi Jo ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Heart Rate ◽  
Heart Rate Variability ◽  
Negative Correlation ◽  
Bell’S Palsy ◽  
Nerve Degeneration ◽  
Total Power ◽  
Mean Corpuscular Hemoglobin ◽  
Bell's Palsy ◽  
Comparative Review ◽  
Significant Difference

Background: In this retrospective study, we aimed to determine which diagnostic tests were associated with an improvement in Bell’s palsy symptoms. Methods: There were 30 patients who visited Kyung Hee University Korean Medicine Hospital from April 1, 2017 to February 29, 2020, and who received East-West collaboration treatment for Bell’s palsy. The tests included electroneurography (ENoG), electromyography (EMG), hematology, and heart rate variability (HRV) results which were used to determine if any test correlated with improvement of Bell’s palsy symptoms. Results: The initial severity of symptoms did not correlate with the tests performed, with the exception of mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration (p = 0.013). For both ENoG for oculi degeneration and mean EMG tests, the rate of nerve degeneration showed a significant negative correlation with the improvement of Bell’s palsy symptoms. Amongst the HRV test indicators, the square root of the mean of the sum of the squares of differences between the adjacent normal R-R wave interval, the standard deviation of intervals, total power, very low frequency, and high frequency of the wave was negatively correlated with improvement of Bell’s palsy symptoms. Similarly, glycosylated hemoglobin Type A1c (HbA1c) and erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) showed a negative correlation with improvement of symptoms of Bell’s palsy. With the exception of HbA1c and ESR, the remaining hematology test results showed no significant difference when comparing before and after treatment. Conclusion: ENoG, EMG, HRV test, HbA1c, and ESR negatively correlated with improvements in Bell’s palsy symptoms and may determine the prognosis of Bell’s palsy.

scholarly journals Efficacy of Manipulative Acupuncture Therapy Monitored by LSCI Technology in Patients with Severe Bell’s Palsy: A Randomized Controlled Trial

2020 ◽  
Vol 2020 ◽  
pp. 1-7
Author(s):  
Weizheng Zhong ◽  
Haibo Yu ◽  
Xiaodan Rao ◽  
Jianhuang Wu ◽  
Yanhua Gou ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Acupuncture Therapy ◽  
Facial Palsy ◽  
Recovery Rate ◽  
Therapy Group ◽  
Controlled Trial ◽  
Blood Perfusion ◽  
Bell’S Palsy ◽  
Laser Speckle ◽  
Bell's Palsy ◽  
Contrast Imaging

To determine if the effect of manipulative acupuncture monitored by laser speckle contrast imaging (LSCI) can improve facial blood perfusion in patients with severe Bell’s palsy. This randomized, single-blind, controlled trial included 120 newly diagnosed patients (within 14 days) with severe Bell’s palsy (House–Brackmann grading system (HBGS) ≥ grade IV). The patients were randomized (1 : 1) to receive either acupoints acupuncture combined with manipulations of twirling, lifting, and thrusting treatments (manipulative acupuncture) or acupoints acupuncture therapy alone (simple acupuncture). These treatments consisted of a total of 24 sessions, three times per week, and each treatment lasted for 30 min. Following 8 weeks of treatment and 6 months after the initial onset of facial palsy, facial nerve functioning was scored (HBGS) and clinical efficacy was measured. The patients’ facial blood perfusion significantly improved following manipulative acupuncture assisted by LSCI compared with that at baseline ( P < 0.01 ). At the conclusion of the 8-week treatment, both groups showed improvement; however, the recovery rate was significantly different (manipulative acupuncture 53.3% vs. simple acupuncture 33.9%, P < 0.05 ). Follow-up analysis at 6 months after the onset of facial palsy revealed a significantly higher recovery rate (91.7% vs. 78.0%; P < 0.05 ). In addition, the number of treatments in the observation group was less than that in the simple acupuncture therapy group ( P < 0.05 ). Compared with simple acupuncture therapy, manipulative acupuncture therapy led to a more significant recovery rate in the treatment of severe Bell’s palsy and required a shorter course of treatment. This trial was registered with ChiCTR1800019463.

scholarly journals Association of Patients’ Characteristics with Acupuncture Treatment Outcomes in Treating Bell’s Palsy: Results from a Randomised Controlled Trial

2019 ◽  
Vol 2019 ◽  
pp. 1-7
Author(s):  
Xianjun Xiao ◽  
Qianhua Zheng ◽  
Yunzhou Shi ◽  
Leixiao Zhang ◽  
Ling Zhao ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Acupuncture Treatment ◽  
Controlled Trial ◽  
Secondary Analysis ◽  
Complete Recovery ◽  
Bell’S Palsy ◽  
Acute Stage ◽  
Chorda Tympani ◽  
Bell's Palsy ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Multicenter Randomized Controlled Trial

Background. Acupuncture has been found to be effective for treating Bell’s palsy (BP). However, which class of BP patients will have a better response to acupuncture remains uncertain and requires investigation. Methods. We performed a secondary analysis of a multicenter, randomized, controlled trial. BP patients were randomly divided into five acupuncture treatment groups. The degree of facial nerve recovery was assessed according to the House–Brackmann grading system (HB grade). Grade I was defined as complete recovery (CR), and grades II–VI were defined as incomplete recovery (IR). The relevant patient characteristics were collected and compared between CR and IR groups by univariate and logistic regression analyses. Results. Eight-hundred twenty-six subjects were analyzed. Among these, 698 (85%) subjects had a good prognosis. No significant difference in the effectiveness of the five treatments was observed (all P>0.05). The likelihood of IR increased by 2.2% with each one-year increase in age (odds ratio (OR) 1.022, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.005–1.038; P=0.009). The likelihood of IR increased by 9% with each kg/m2 increase in BMI (OR 1.090, 95% CI 1.019–1.165; P=0.012). The likelihood of IR at the recovery stage was higher than that at the acute stage (OR 7.996, 95% CI 4.570–13.991; P<0.001), and the likelihood of IR of patients with lesions at or above the chorda tympani was higher than that of patients with lesions below the chorda tympani (OR 1.989, 95% CI 1.256–3.150; P=0.003). The likelihood of IR increased by 281.7% with each unit increase in the HB grade (OR 2.817, 95% CI 2.113–3.756; P<0.001). Conclusions. Younger patients at the acute stage of the disease with low BMIs, low initial HB grades, and lesions below the chorda tympani were more likely to respond to acupuncture.

scholarly journals Efficacy of laser acupuncture for patients with chronic Bell's palsy

Medicine ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 98 (15) ◽  
pp. e15120 ◽  
Author(s):  
Gil Ton ◽  
Li-Wen Lee ◽  
Hui-Ping Ng ◽  
Hsien-Yin Liao ◽  
Yi- Hung Chen ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Bell’S Palsy ◽  
Laser Acupuncture ◽  
Bell's Palsy

scholarly journals A Pilot Study of Diagnostic Neuromuscular Ultrasound in Bell's Palsy

2015 ◽  
Vol 25 (4) ◽  
pp. 564-570 ◽  
Author(s):  
Eman A. Tawfik ◽  
Francis O. Walker ◽  
Michael S. Cartwright
Keyword(s):  
Pilot Study ◽  
Bell’S Palsy ◽  
Bell's Palsy

scholarly journals Effects of low-level laser therapy versus soft occlusive splints on mouth opening and surface electromyography in females with temporomandibular dysfunction: A randomized-controlled study

PLoS ONE ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 16 (10) ◽  
pp. e0258063
Author(s):  
Tamer Shousha ◽  
Mohamed Alayat ◽  
Ibrahim Moustafa
Keyword(s):  
Laser Therapy ◽  
Surface Electromyography ◽  
Low Level Laser Therapy ◽  
Controlled Study ◽  
Low Level ◽  
Cell Functions ◽  
Splint Therapy ◽  
Low Level Laser ◽  
Level Laser ◽  
Significant Difference

Background Low level lasers have been used as an alternative pain relief therapy for muscle and joint pain, since it induces analgesic, anti-inflammatory, and biomodulation effects of the physiological cell functions. The effectiveness of low-level laser therapy in temporomandibular joint dysfunction (TMD) treatment, however, is not well established. Although Surface electromyography (sEMG) has been suggested as a complementary means in TMD diagnosis, the effect of conservative treatments on muscle activity has not yet been thoroughly correlated with (sEMG) findings. Purpose To assess the efficacy of low-level laser therapy (LLLT) as compared to occlusive splint therapy (OST) on the TMJ opening index (TOI) and sEMG of masticatory muscles. Materials and methods 112 female subjects suffering from unilateral myogenous TMD, aged 21–30 years-old, were recruited and divided into three groups: LLLT; soft occlusive splint therapy OST and a waitlist group as controls. Outcome measures TMJ opening index (TOI), Visual analogue scale (VAS), surface electromyography (sEMG). Results A significant reduction was reported in TOI, VAS and the sEMG within the LLLT and OST groups as well as significant decrease in all outcomes between groups in favor of the LLLT group (P< 0.0001). Meanwhile, there was a weak significant difference within the control group probably attributed to the analgesic. Post-hoc pairwise comparisons between groups [control vs occlusive splints, control vs low-level laser and low-level laser vs occlusive splints] revealed significant differences in the VAS and TOI [P = 0.0001; 95% CI: 0.9–2.2, 1.61–4.01, 0.65–1.96]. Conclusions Findings support an evident short term therapeutic effect of the LLLT on improving VAS, TOI and sEMG in females suffering from myogenous TMD.

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