The implementation of laser biostimulation at the early treatment stage of facial nerve palsy in children

Abstract

Introduction: Peripheral-type facial nerve palsy (FNP) is called "Bell's paralysis". This is the most common type of damage to the facial nerve among children. Treatment includes the use of various types of pharmacologically assisted physical treatments. Study aim: The aim of the study is to evaluate the effectiveness of laser biostimulation in the treatment of peripheral FNP as well as the speed and sequence at which the disease symptoms subside. In addition, the relationship between the progress in physiotherapy and the patient's age were determined. Material and methods: The study included 50 patients (27 girls and 23 boys) aged 6 to 18 with FNP symptoms. Left-sided paralysis was noted in 22 of them, and right-sided in 28. All of the subjects included in the study were divided into two equal groups. In group A, treat-ment with the use of magnetic fields and electrostimulation was applied, while in group B, laser biostimulation was additionally applied. The speed and sequence of regression of symp-toms and the recovery of muscular strength were assessed. Results: In group A, in 17 of the treated children, symptoms subsided after 3 weeks. In group B, symptom relief occurred in 18 of them after 2 weeks. Due to one of the symptoms main-taining, although the symptom was not intense, 8 patients from group B continued ambulatory treatment, while 14 continued from group A. Conclusions: The early application of laser biostimulation in FNP patients leads to the rapid regression of symptoms and shortens the time of hospital treatment. Not fully shutting the eye and Bell’s symptoms were the quickest to subside. The age of the child with FNP does not affect the duration of treatment.