Ultrasound-Guided Corticosteroid and Bupivacaine for Facial Nerve Function and Thickness in Bell's Palsy

Summary

This prospective, single-arm clinical study aims to evaluate the effects of a one-time, ultrasound-guided injection of corticosteroid (triamcinolone) combined with local anesthetic (bupivacaine) into the facial nerve in patients with acute Bell's palsy. The injection is administered approximately 1.5-2 cm after the nerve exits the stylomastoid foramen, with precise targeting using ultrasound imaging. A total of 40 adult participants diagnosed within 72 hours of symptom onset will be enrolled. The primary outcome is improvement in facial nerve function, assessed using the House-Brackmann Facial Nerve Grading System at day 7, day 15, and 3 months post-injection. Secondary outcomes include changes in facial nerve thickness measured by ultrasound before and one week after the procedure. This is the first clinical trial to directly evaluate targeted facial nerve injection as a potential treatment approach in Bell's palsy.

Timeline

Start

2022-01-01

Primary completion

2024-10-01

Completion

2025-02-01

Drugs

Indications