Acupuncture Treatment in a Peripheral Facial Paralysis with the Sequelae
10.3777/jjsam.53.190
- VernacularTitle:後遺症を有する末梢性顔面神経麻ひに対する低周波しん通電療法の１症例
- Author:
Mami MORITO
;
Masaaki SUGAWARA
;
Keishi YOSIKAWA
;
Hideki NAKANO
- Publication Type:Journal Article
- Keywords:
peripheral facial paralysis;
electro acupuncture;
thermography;
sequelae;
synkinesis;
crocodile tears
- From:Journal of the Japan Society of Acupuncture and Moxibustion
2003;53(2):190-194
- CountryJapan
- Language:Japanese
-
Abstract:
Bell's palsy, most frequently occurring in peripheral facial paralysis, is a well-recoverable disease showing spontaneous healing in 70% of patients. This chronic patient of Bell's palsy has persisted for more than two years. Many medical institutes have diagnosed that it was very difficult to remedy completely. The rating score was 24 (full score : 40 points), having sequelae of synkinesis, facial spasm, crocodile tears and other problems. By thermography, the temperature difference between the normal side and the paralyzed side was 0.9°C, and the paralyzed side's temperature was lower. To improve microcirculation on the paralyzed side, electro-acupuncture treatment has been applied to the facial nerve and facial expression muscles.
After evaluating mainly the score for facial paralysis and thermography, the score was increased with disappearance of the temperature difference between the normal side and the paralyzed side. Subjectively, it also became easier to move facial expression muscles, and the phenomenon of crocodile tears was decreased. Long-term electro-acupuncture treatment is considered to be effective for improving the microcirculation and enhancing the QOL of the patient.
