To evaluate the efficacy and safety of treating peripheral facial palsy using a non-invasive brain-computer interface combined with transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS).
This study is mainly designed to compare the therapeutic efficacy of non-invasive brain-computer interface combined with transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS), pulsed radiofrequency, and pharmacological treatment versus pulsed radiofrequency combined with pharmacological treatment in patients with peripheral facial palsy.
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
NON_RANDOMIZED
Purpose
TREATMENT
Masking
NONE
Enrollment
30
1. BCI Therapy: Real-time feedback drives NMES (neuromuscular electrical stimulation) of the target facial muscles. Each session lasts 30 minutes, 3-5 times per week, for a total of 4 weeks. 2. tDCS Therapy: Applied to the regions corresponding to the branches of the facial nerve. A constant current (usually 0.5-2 mA) is delivered for 20-30 minutes per session, 5-20 sessions per course. Standard treatment frequency is once daily, 5-6 times per week, with a continuous course of 2-4 weeks. Each stimulation session typically lasts 20-30 minutes.
Acute-phase "shock" protocol: Within 7 days of onset, a single pulsed radiofrequency treatment is applied to the extracranial segment of the facial nerve. Depending on recovery, the treatment may be repeated 1-2 weeks later. Chronic-phase (sequelae) "shock" protocol: Administered once every 1-4 weeks, for a total of 1-4 sessions.
The Second Peoples's Hospital of Changzhou, the Third Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University
Changzhou, Jiangsu, China
Improvement in House-Brackmann (HB) grading
Time frame: At 0,2,4,8 and 12 weeks.
Sunnybrook Facial Grading System score.
Time frame: At 0,2,4,8 and 12 weeks.
Static and dynamic facial symmetry scores.
Time frame: At 0,2,4,8 and 12 weeks.
Degree of facial muscle EMG activation and changes in EEG functional connectivity.
Time frame: At 0,2,4,8 and 12 weeks.
Adverse events
Adverse events included skin tingling at the electrode site, mild fatigue, burning sensation, itching, headache, and a potential risk of seizure induction.
Time frame: At 0,2,4,8 and 12 weeks.
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Includes facial muscle function training, physiotherapy, hot and cold compresses, and neurotrophic drug treatment.