Effect of Neural Mobilization in Bells Palsy: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Neural mobilization was applied by gently holding the lower part of the ear between the index finger and thumb. The thumb was placed at the opening of the external auditory meatus and the index finger placed behind the auricle of the ear (Figure 2). The intensity of auricular traction was determined by the patient reporting the level of discomfort. The patient tolerated 3-4 sets of gentle horizontal traction and circular movement 25 times each with 5 seconds rest.

Massage therapy consisting of tapping, effleurage and finger and thumb kneading for 15-16 minutes.

Faradic electrical stimulation with anode electrode at the back of the neck and cathode over the nerve trunk anterior to the earlobe. The cathodic pen electrode was used to locate the facial nerve trunk for stimulation manually. (Biphasic current, pulse time 300 microseconds, frequency 60 Hz, 20 contractions, Rest 10 seconds). The total treatment time was 15 minutes.

Exercises in front of the mirror like raising the eyebrow, clinching the teeth (patient trying to see his clenched teeth in the mirror), smiling and performing other facial expressions for 12-15 minutes.