Current practice patterns in the management of bell's palsy amongst physiotherapists in Nepal: A cross-sectional study

Abstract

Bell's palsy (BP) is an idiopathic, acute, unilateral paralysis of the face in a pattern consistent with peripheral facial nerve dysfunction, affecting 1 in 60 people. Evidence for physiotherapy management of BP is heterogeneous and limited. Current clinical practice guidelines recommend tailored facial exercises including mime therapy for patients with persistent weakness and recommend against the utilization of electrical stimulation in BP. No studies have looked at current physiotherapy treatment patterns for BP management. The aim of this study is to find out current physiotherapy practice patterns in the management of Bell's palsy in Nepal and to compare current practice with guidelines. A questionnaire was distributed to registered physiotherapists throughout Nepal utilizing various internet platforms and in person. Information collected included demographics, level of education, years of experience, and management strategies utilized for treating BP. Descriptive data analysis was completed utilizing SPSS 16.0. Total number of participants was 116. The majority (78%) of physiotherapists prefer to use electrical stimulation for management of Bell's palsy. Only 34% of physiotherapists utilize mime therapy. Most (72%) physiotherapists believe that their management is in line with current evidence-based practice. The majority of Nepali physiotherapists utilize electrical stimulation for the management of BP, and also believe their current management is inline with evidence-based practice for BP. These dichotomous findings suggest that further education and standardization of physiotherapy management of BP in Nepal is needed.