Abstract
Purpose. This study was done to compare between the effect of low level laser and electrical stimulation on Bell’s palsy. Methods. A randomized controlled trial was done on 45 patients of both genders with Bell’s palsy; their ages ranged from 18–45 years. Patients were randomly divided into three equal groups. All groups (A, B & C) have received medical treatment. In addition, group (A) (Low level laser therapy), was treated with low level laser therapy, two sessions/ week for 6 weeks, while group (B) (ES group) was treated with electrical stimulation for the same time and group (C) (control) followed the traditional treatment, which consisted of massage and facial exercises. The primary outcome for the study was the degree of facial nerve regeneration assessed by facial nerve electromyographic sharp wave presence, while the secondary outcomes were facial motor function, assessed by House-Brackmann scale and the quality of life, measured by facial disability index. The outcomes were evaluated pre and after 6 weeks of the interventions. Results. There was a statistically significant difference (P = 0.0001) between the three groups regarding facial disability index score and House-Brackmann score in favor of laser group. Conclusion. Low level laser treatment is more effective than electrical stimulation and traditional treatment in achieving functional recovery in Bell’s palsy patients.

Key words:
facial palsy, low level laser therapy, electrical stimulation therapy