Combined Effects of Low Level Laser Therapy and Kabat Technique in Patients With Bell's Palsy

Bell's palsy is an acute condition which occurs by the damage of 7th cranial nerve along its course at the level which is distal to Pons. Basically it is an idiopathic facial condition.

The yearly incidence of Bell's palsy is 15 to 30 per 100,000 people, which affect both sexes equally. This study aims to see combined effects of Low Level Laser Therapy and Kabat technique in the treatment of Bell's palsy.

Synkinesis, which is described as an involuntary movement in one part of the face produced during voluntary movement in another region of the face, is a problematic Bell's palsy sequel. The mechanism behind the formation of synkinesis is unknown. According to the predominant idea, damaged axons regenerate abnormally, innervating facial muscles that weren't originally innervated. The yearly incidence of Bell's palsy is 15 to 30 per 100,000 people, which affect both sexes equally.

Kabat Technique is neurorehabilitation technique that uses diagonal and spiral patterns for movement in conjunction with stretch and resistance and other PNF techniques to reinforce neuromuscular recruitment. It mainly concerns the stimulation of these muscles: Orbicularis occuli, ztgomaticus, Levator labii, nasalis, buccinator, frontalis, corrugator.

For all BP patients, including those who are unable to take corticosteroids due to diabetes or hypertension, laser therapy offers a non-invasive, painless means of treatment. However, just a few researches have examined the effectiveness of low- dose laser therapy in BP patients.