PURPOSE : To examine the therapeutic efficacy of contact needle therapy (CNT) for peripheral facial paralysis
STUDY DESIGN : Case series study
METHODS : A total of 15 patients (Bell's palsy, 13 cases ; Ramsay Hunt syndrome) with peripheral facial paralysis who first visited between April 1, 2008 and March 31, 2013 and received CNT were examined in this study. Using the Yanagihara paralysis score, complete recovery was defined as a score improved to 36 within about 6 months of paralysis onset, and without moderate or worsened residual morbid synergic movements.
RESULTS : In all cases, the patient had received standard otological treatment. Median age was 65 years (range, 23-84 years). Median interval from onset of paralysis to first acupuncture treatment was 13 days (range, 4-105 days). Eight patients had an electroneurography (ENoG) value of < 10%. Eight patients achieved complete recovery. Two of the 8 patients with complete recovery had an ENoG value of < 10%.
CONCLUSION : Not only in-situ acupuncture and electroacupuncture treatments, but also CNT may represent effective acupuncture treatments for peripheral facial paralysis.