PHYSIOTHERAPY TREATMENT IN BELL’S PALSY. SYSTEMATIC REVIEW

Abstract

 Introduction: Bell's palsy (BP) is one of the most frequent diseases that affects the facial nerve. In addition to damaging the muscles of the mimic, people who suffer it develop psychological problems due to appearance. Its treatment is not defined, and, in terms of Physiotherapy, the techniques used today remain a topic of controversy. The objective of the present study is to analyze the different physiotherapeutic procedures used as a treatment for PB and to indicate the most effective ones for their recovery. Also, its aim is to know the valuation methods used in physiotherapy for this pathology. Material and method: a systematic review. A bibliographic search was perfor-med in Pubmed, LILACS, Cochrane, PEDro and Scopus databases. Nine studies met our inclusion criteria and were analyzed on the PEDro scale to determine their methodological quality. Results/Discussion: in relation to the techniques used the following procedures are described: electrical stimulation, laser, acupuncture, neuromuscular facial reeducation, study that performs a protocol of physiotherapeutic treatment and even the combination of laser and magnetic field. Valuation scales used in physical therapy are: Facial Disability Index (FDI), House-Brackman Scale (HB), Chevalier Scale, Facial Nerve Classification Scale and Sunnybrook facial grading system. Conclusions: there is a lack of physiotherapeutic studies in the pathology, as well as the diversity of the criteria used in the results found. All procedures are positive and beneficial.