Can electric acupuncture waves help bell palsy patients smile again?

NCT ID NCT06573697

Completed Symptom relief Sponsor: The Third Affiliated hospital of Zhejiang Chinese Medical University Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

First seen Jun 26, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026 · Updated 1 time

Summary

This study looked at whether different types of electrical stimulation during acupuncture (electroacupuncture) can help people with Bell palsy, a condition that causes sudden facial paralysis. Researchers treated 75 adults with low-frequency continuous or discontinuous waveforms on specific face points. They measured changes in facial nerve function to find the best waveform for recovery.

What this could mean

Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.

Active substance: electroacupuncture with low-frequency continuous or discontinuous waveforms
What this could lead to: If successful, this could identify the best electroacupuncture waveform to improve facial muscle function and quality of life in Bell palsy patients.
What could go wrong: This is a small, completed study with 75 participants, so results may not apply to everyone. The effect of electroacupuncture can vary, and the study does not compare against a placebo or standard care.

This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

Bell's palsy facial paralysis

As listed by the trial registrant

The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.

BELL PALSY

Contacts and locations

Locations

The Third Affiliated hospital of Zhejiang Chinese Medical University

Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310053, China

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