Electroacupuncture With Two Pulse Patterns for Bell's Palsy Using Surface Electromyography Evalua… (NCT07514117) | Clinical Trial Compass
Not Yet RecruitingNot Applicable
Electroacupuncture With Two Pulse Patterns for Bell's Palsy Using Surface Electromyography Evaluation
111 participantsStarted 2026-05
Plain-language summary
This clinical trial is designed to evaluate the therapeutic effects of two EA parameter settings for Bell's palsy and to investigate the electromyographic characteristics of the disease. The main questions it aims to answer are:
* Can continuous pulse pattern and intermittent pulse pattern of EA improve the symptoms of Bell's palsy?
* Do continuous pulse pattern and intermittent pulse pattern of EA impact the electromyographic characteristics of facial muscles in patients with Bell's palsy? The researchers will evaluate the effects of continuous pulse pattern and intermittent pulse pattern in treating Bell's palsy by using surface electromyography as an objective indicator of assessment. The trial lasts for 4 weeks and the treatment period lasts for 4 weeks.
Participants will:
* receive sham EA, EA with a continuous pulse pattern or EA with an intermittent pulse pattern for 3 times weekly for 4 weeks (12 sessions in total).
* receive assessment of symptom severity and social functioning on Day 0, end of week 2, end of week 4.
Who can participate
Age range
18 Years – 70 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 clinically as BP, with imaging evidence (brain CT and/or MRI) excluding central nervous system lesions associated with facial palsy
* the disease duration of 21 days to 6 months, inclusive
* age 18-70 years
* voluntary participation and provision of written informed consent
Exclusion Criteria:
* facial paralysis caused by other diseases
* have previous history of facial paralysis
* present with facial muscle spasm, synkinesis or contracture
* diagnosed as Ramsey-Hunt Syndrome
* history of surgery on face
* with cardiac pacemakers implanted
* pregnant or lactating patients
* along with other severe uncontrolled diseases, recognition disorder, aphasia or mental disorders
* present with bilateral facial paralysis
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
1
Facial Nerve Grading System 2.0(FNGS 2.0)
Timeframe: Day 0, end of week 2, end of week 4.
2
Root Mean Square ratio (RMS%)
Timeframe: Day 0, end of week 2, end of week 4.
Trial details
NCT IDNCT07514117
SponsorThe First Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang Chinese Medical University