Bell’s Palsy – Laser Therapy Treatments

In 2013, Alayat et al reported on a randomized double-blind placebo-controlled trial of laser therapy for the treatment of 48 patients with Bell’s palsy. Facial exercises and massage  were given to all patients. Patients were randomized to one of three groups: high-intensity laser therapy, low-level laser therapy or exercise only. Laser treatment was given three times per week to eight points of the affected side for six weeks. At three and six weeks after treatment, outcomes were assessed using the facial disability scale (FDI) and the House-Brackmann scale (HBS). Significant improvements in recovery were seen in both laser therapy groups over exercise alone with the most improvement seen with high-intensity laser.

Proprietary Information of Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Alabama
Medical Policy #270