In light of what's been said, pro and con, of using electrical stimulation
(ES) in the treatment of Bell's Palsy, I am summarizing below an Abstract
from a paper which appeared in a journal that shall, for now, remain
unidentified (this is to avoid bias on the part of some readers who may be
so inclined). I am also omiting certain statements from the Abstract so that
you may focus on the ES components.
I am curious how list members will respond to this. Does this sound
like an article that could be used to show insurance companies that ES is
beneficial in the treatment of Bell's Palsy? On the other hand, does it
support the concept that ES may have retarded recovery? What do you think?
At the end of all this, I will give the full reference, as well as my
thoughts on the matter. The modified Abstract is as follows:
"OBJECTIVE: This report discusses high-voltage electrical muscle stimulation
and ... used to treat two patients who suffered from Bell's Palsy. CLINICAL
FEATURES: Case A: A 15-year old with left sided facial palsy was seen 2 days
after the onset of symptoms. Upon observation, the left upper and lower
eyelids were drooping and the left eye had excessive tearing ... A clinical
diagnosis of Bell's Palsy ... was made. Case B: A 17-year old with left
sided facial palsy was seen 8 days after onset of symptoms. Upon
observation, the patient showed left sided facial paralysis and inability to
close the left eye completely ... A clinical diagnosis of Bell's Palsy was
made. INTERVENTION AND OUTCOME: Both patients were treated with high-voltage
pulsed galvanic current at 80 peaks/sec with a 7-inch hand-held probe for 10
minutes each visit. In addition ... (omitted for reasons mentioned above).
Case A was resolved after 6 wk of treatment and case B was resolved after 3
wk of treatment. CONCLUSION: Both patients benefited from these procedures
with complete resolution of symptoms. The techniques outlined should be used
at an early stage to accelerate progress toward normal facial function."
Comments are requested.
Neil I. Spielholz
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