By InvitationNot Applicable

EXPLORING EFFECTIVENESS OF LOW LEVEL LASER THERAPY IN THE TREATMENT OF PATIENTS WITH BELLS PALSY

Pakistan100 participantsStarted 2025-10

Plain-language summary

The aim of the proposed research is to explore effectiveness of Low Level LASER Therapy in the country and to compare its effectiveness with routine physiotherapy. The societal benefit of submitted research is to formulate a guideline for physical therapy clinicians of the country to treat patients with Bell's Palsy through modern tool of Low Level LASER Therapy if found effective for improvement in quality of lives

Who can participate

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: * • A confirmed diagnosis of idiopathic facial (Bell's) palsy by a certified neurologist or Physician is required (Heckmann, Urban, Pitz, Guntinas-Lichius, \& Gágyor, 2019). * Both male and female patients, aged between 18 and 80 years (Holland \& Bernstein, 2014). * Symptom onset within the range of 72 hours to 7 days (Petruzzelli \& Hirsch, 1991). * A baseline House-Brackmann score of 2 to 4 is necessary (Bylund et al., 2021). * Availability for the entire trial duration and all subsequent follow-up visits. * Absence of any prior treatments (e.g., corticosteroids) for the current Bell's palsy episode. Exclusion Criteria: * • Alternate diagnoses that can explain Bell's palsy (e.g., Lyme disease, Ramsay Hunt syndrome) (Crouch, Hohman, Moody, \& Andaloro, 2023). * History of recurrent Bell's palsy episodes. * Presence of severe medical conditions such as uncontrolled diabetes or autoimmune disorders. * Pregnancy or lactation. Use of concurrent medications that could interfere with facial nerve function. * Exposure to LLLT in the past 3 months. * Active skin infections or lesions in the targeted treatment area. * Conditions or medications that induce photosensitivity. * Cognitive impairments that may interfere with comprehension or feedback about the trial. * Participation in another trial in the past month. * Traumatic, inflammatory, or infectious conditions including trauma, nerve root issues, metabolic/spinal pathologies, …

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

House-Brackmann Score

Timeframe: 6 weeks

Trial details

NCT IDNCT07191808

SponsorUniversity of Lahore

Sponsor typeOTHER

Study typeINTERVENTIONAL

Primary completion2025-12

View on ClinicalTrials.gov More Bell Palsy trials

Plain-language summary

Who can participate

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.