Abstract
We used low level laser therapy (LLLT) to treat peripheral facial palsy patients and investigated its efficacy. We studied 23 cases with Bell’s palsy (11 male and 12 female ages ranging from 21 to 82 years with an average of 51.7 years). They visited the rehabilitation department of our university hospital between April 1, 2002 and March 31, 2006. We used a 1 watt semiconductor laser device.
The stellate ganglion was irradiated with the laser three times for 30 seconds (90 seconds total).
LLLT was performed twice a week. We evaluated the therapeutic effects with Yanagihara’s method after 2 months of treatment. The efficacy of the treatment was noted in 83% of our 23 cases .
Facilitation of blood circulation and nerve regeneration were considered to be the possible effective mechanisms of LLLT. On the other hand, why the effect was insufficient in 17% of our patients has to be further investigated.
