OBJECTIVETo search for the best method of increasing clinical therapeutic effect of facial spasm.

METHODSOne hundred and twenty cases of facial spasm were selected and divided randomly into a scalp point-through-point electroacupuncture group (EA treatment group), an electroacupuncture control group (EA control group) and a carbamazepine control group, 40 cases in each group. Baihui (GV 20)-through-Qubin (GB 7), Shenting (GV 24)-through-Hanyan (GB 4), Touwei (ST 8)-through-Xuanli (GB 6), Benshen (GB 13)-through-Shuaigu (GB 8) were selected in the EA treatment group, and Baihui (GV 20), Yangbai (GB 14), Dicang (ST 4), Jiache (ST 6), Yifeng (TE 17), Hegu (LI 4), Taichong (LR 3) and Sanyinjiao (SP 6) were selected in the EA control group, and the EA treatment was given once each day, for 30 days. The carbamazepine control group were treated with carbamazepine 0.1 g, twice each day, for 30 days. Their therapeutic effects were evaluated by changes of grading of facial spasm strength and frequency, and myoelectric activity.

RESULTSThe strength and frequency of facial spasm significantly decreased in the EA treatment group with very significant differences as compared with other two groups (P<0.01), and there was a significant difference in the electrophysiologic indexes as the EA treatment group compared with other two groups (P<0.05).

CONCLUSIONScalp point-through-point electroacupuncture can increase therapeutic effect on facial spasm and it is a better therapy for this disease.