Ongoing Clinical Trials for Facial Paresis
Currently, there is 1 ongoing clinical trial investigating treatments for facial paresis, a condition causing sudden weakness or paralysis of facial muscles. This trial is exploring the use of corticosteroid medication in children and is being conducted in Sweden. (Also known as: Facial Nerve Palsy, Bell’s Palsy)
Clinical trial locations
Study on Betamethasone Sodium Phosphate for Treating Acute Facial Nerve Palsy in Children
This clinical trial focuses on evaluating whether cortisone treatment can help children recover from acute facial nerve palsy, a condition that causes sudden weakness or paralysis of the muscles on one side of the face. The study specifically uses a medication called Prednisolone, a type of corticosteroid that helps reduce inflammation and swelling around the affected nerve.
Who can participate:
- Children aged between 1 and 17 years old
- Those experiencing acute peripheral facial nerve palsy with sudden weakness or paralysis on one side of the face
- Symptoms must have started less than 72 hours (3 days) before joining the study
- Signed informed consent from parents or guardians is required
Who cannot participate:
- Children younger than 2 years old
- Those with other medical conditions affecting the face or nerves
- Children who have previously received treatment for facial nerve palsy
- Those with allergies to cortisone or similar medications
- Children currently participating in another clinical trial
- Those with severe health issues that could interfere with the study
What the trial involves:
The study will compare the effectiveness of Prednisolone against a placebo, which looks like the medication but contains no active ingredient. This approach helps researchers determine whether the treatment truly makes a difference in recovery. Participants will be monitored over 12 months to track their progress.
Recovery will be measured using specialized scales, including the House-Brackmann scale and the Sunnybrook grading scale, which assess how well the facial nerve is functioning. The study will also use questionnaires to evaluate how the condition affects daily life, including the Facial Clinimetric Evaluation scale, the Facial Disability Index, and the Synkinesis Assessment Questionnaire.
The investigational drug:
Prednisolone is a corticosteroid medication administered orally in capsule form at a dosage of 5 mg. Corticosteroids work by suppressing the immune system’s response and reducing inflammation around the affected nerve, which may improve nerve function and speed recovery. This type of medication mimics hormones naturally produced by the body’s adrenal glands and is already well-established for treating various inflammatory conditions.
Throughout the trial, safety will be carefully monitored, with researchers tracking any adverse events experienced by participants. The primary goal is to determine at the 12-month mark how many children achieve complete recovery from facial nerve palsy.
Summary
Currently, only one clinical trial is actively recruiting for facial paresis, and it is specifically focused on the pediatric population. This trial is being conducted in Sweden and investigates the role of corticosteroid treatment in helping children recover from acute facial nerve palsy. The study uses a well-established anti-inflammatory medication, Prednisolone, and employs a rigorous 12-month follow-up period to assess both recovery rates and quality of life impacts. The focus on children represents an important area of research, as this condition can significantly affect young patients’ facial function and daily activities. Families interested in participating should note the narrow time window for enrollment, as symptoms must have begun less than 72 hours before joining the study.