CompletedNot Applicable

Exteroceptive Stimulation for Facial Palsy After Stroke

Pakistan36 participantsStarted 2025-08-01

Plain-language summary

Stroke is a leading cause of long-term disability worldwide and frequently results in central facial palsy, which manifests as facial asymmetry, impaired muscle control, and reduced functional ability. These impairments can affect speech, emotional expression, and overall quality of life. Conventional physiotherapy is commonly used to manage post-stroke facial palsy; however, the additional benefit of sensory-based rehabilitation approaches remains insufficiently explored, particularly in clinical settings with limited resources. This study was conducted to evaluate whether the addition of exteroceptive stimulation to conventional physiotherapy leads to greater improvement in facial symmetry and functional outcomes compared to conventional physiotherapy alone. Exteroceptive stimulation aims to enhance sensory input and facilitate neuromuscular activation, potentially improving motor recovery in affected facial muscles. In this double-blind randomized controlled trial, a total of 36 participants diagnosed with post-stroke facial palsy were recruited and randomly allocated into two groups. The experimental group received exteroceptive stimulation in addition to conventional physiotherapy, while the control group received conventional physiotherapy alone. Both interventions were administered over a period of four weeks. Outcome measures were assessed at baseline and at the end of the intervention period. The primary outcome was lip angle deviation, used as an indicator of facial symmetry. Secondary outcomes included facial function and disability assessed using standardized tools such as the Facial Disability Index and the Synkinesis Assessment Questionnaire. The findings of this study aim to provide evidence on the effectiveness of integrating sensory-based techniques into routine rehabilitation programs for post-stroke facial palsy. The results may support the development of more comprehensive and effective rehabilitation strategies to improve patient outcomes.

Who can participate

Age range

40 Years – 55 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: * Patients diagnosed with post-stroke facial palsy * Age between 40 and 55 years * Both male and female participants * Acute onset of facial weakness within 1-3 weeks * Non-traumatic onset of disease * Commitment to comply with electrical stimulation treatment Exclusion Criteria: * Participation in other therapies for facial nerve * Presence of neoplastic tumor, Pregnancy, Cardiac, Excessive perspiration, Psychiatric illness or Mental impairment, Neurotmesis, Post-surgical cases of heart and brain surgery * Bilateral facial palsy due to demyelinating disease e.g. motor neuron disease, trigeminal neuralgia, Open wounds/ulcers, ENT impairment/Otitis Media, Repetitive previous history of stroke * Invasive cardiac instrumentation such as endarterectomy or stent placement within 30 days prior to admission in ICU were excluded

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 in Lip Angle Deviation

Timeframe: Baseline and Week 4

Trial details

NCT IDNCT07568769

SponsorUniversity of Faisalabad

Sponsor typeOTHER

Study typeINTERVENTIONAL

Primary completion2025-12-24

View on ClinicalTrials.gov More Stroke trials