CompletedNot Applicable

Two Electroacupuncture Waveforms for Different Severity Groups of Bell Palsy

China120 participantsStarted 2023-11-15

Plain-language summary

Bell palsy (BP) is the most common cause of acute facial palsy, which leads to functional and esthetic disturbances for patients and results in a lowered quality of life. Electroacupuncture (EA) received attention as an alternative and complementary treatment method. The low-frequency continuous wave EA and the intermittent wave EA have been used in the management of BP. The aim of this study is to compare the efficacy and safety of these two electroacupuncture waveforms for different severity groups of BP.

Who can participate

Age range

18 Years – 65 Years

Sex

ALL

See this in plain English?

AI-rewrites the medical criteria so a patient or caregiver can understand them. Always confirm with the trial site.

Inclusion criteria

. Diagnosed as BP by specialist.
. The score of FNGS 2.0 ≥ 15 at the day 21 since the onset of BP.
. 18 years ≤ age ≤ 65 years.
. Received prednisolone within 72 hours since initial symptoms of BP, the prednisolone dose used was 60 mg per day for 5 days and then reduced by 10 mg per day.
. Signed informed consent and volunteered to participate in this study.

Exclusion criteria

. Facial palsy caused by other diseases or injury.

Questions worth asking your doctor

Bring these to your next appointment. They're a starting point for a shared conversation — not a sign you qualify or a recommendation to enrol.

1Based on my diagnosis and history, is this trial worth exploring for me — or is there a standard treatment we should try first?
2What does this trial's phase tell us about how much is already known about its safety and benefit?
3What would taking part actually involve for me — visits, tests, time, and travel?
4What are the known and possible risks or side effects I should weigh, and how would they be monitored?
5If this trial isn't the right fit, what other options or trials would you suggest I look into?

Generated to help you prepare — always confirm anything about your own eligibility and care with the study team and your doctor.

Questions for the trial coordinator

The trial coordinator is the person who runs the study day to day. These cover the practical side — logistics, costs, and what taking part would actually mean for your life. The study team confirms whether you meet the criteria; these are questions to ask, not a sign you qualify.

1What does taking part actually involve week to week — how many visits, where, and how long does each one take?
2What costs are covered by the study, and what might I have to pay for myself, including travel, parking, or time off work?
3What happens during screening, and what happens if the study team confirms I don't meet the criteria after those tests?
4Who pays for the scans, blood work, and other tests the trial requires — the study, my insurance, or me?
5How will being in the trial affect my regular care, and will my own doctor stay informed and involved?
6Can I leave the trial at any point if I change my mind, and what would happen to my care if I do?

A starting point for the conversation — always confirm anything about your own eligibility, costs, and care with the study team and your doctor.

What they're measuring

Change from Baseline score of the Facial Nerve Grading System 2.0

Timeframe: Baseline, the end of week 4

Trial details

NCT IDNCT06063954

SponsorThe Third Affiliated hospital of Zhejiang Chinese Medical University

Sponsor typeOTHER

Study typeINTERVENTIONAL

Primary completion2025-05-25

View on ClinicalTrials.gov More Bell Palsy trials