Objective

2

To observe the effect of electroacupuncture (EA) at Yifeng (TE17) and Fengchi (GB20) on the prognosis in the patients with moderate-to-severe peripheral facial paralysis in the acute stage.

Methods

2

A total of 68 patients with moderate-to-severe peripheral facial paralysis in the acute stage were randomly allocated to an EA group (2 cases dropped out

1 case was eliminated) and an acupuncture group (2 cases dropped out

1 case was eliminated). Both groups received basic administration with western medication

and the conventional acupuncture was operated at Yangbai (GB14)

Sibai (ST2)

Quanliao (SI18)

Jiache (ST6)

Dicang (ST4)

Yifeng (TE17)

Fengchi (GB20)

etc. on the affected side. Additionally

in the EA group

Yifeng (TE17) and Fengchi (GB20) were connected to an electroacupuncture apparatus and stimulated with continuous wave

at the frequency of 4 Hz

and the current intensity of 1-5 mA for 20 min; and in the acupuncture group

no electric stimulation was exerted at these two acupoints after connected to the apparatus. In both groups

the intervention was delivered twice weekly

at the interval of 3 days

and for 12 consecutive weeks. In 12 weeks after treatment completion

the incidence of complications was observed in both groups. The Sunnybrook facial nerve grading system (SFGS) and facial disability index (FDI) were scored and compared between the two groups before and after treatment

and the safety was assessed.

Results

2

The incidence of complications was 6.5% (2/31) in the EA group and 16.1% (5/31) in the acupuncture group

with no statistically significant difference between the two groups (

P

>

0.05). After treatment

the total scores of SFGS

the total voluntary movement scores and the scores on raising eyebrows

closing eyes tightly

showing teeth in a smile

wrinkling nose and puckering lips were all increased (

P

<

0.01)

the total static symmetry scores

and the scores on facial symmetry at rest (eye

cheek and oral commissure) were reduced when compared with those before treatment in the two groups (

P

<

0.01); and the EA group was higher in the total score of SFGS

the total voluntary movement score and the scores on wrinkling nose and puckering lips when compared with those in the acupuncture group (

P

<

0.05

P

<

0.01). After treatment

FDI-physical function (FDIP) scores increased

and FDI-social function (FDIS) scores decreased in both groups compared with those before treatment (

P

<

0.01)

and in the EA group

FDIP score was higher and FDIS score was

lower in comparison with those in the acupuncture group (

P

<

0.05). The differences were not statistically significant in the incidence of subcutaneous hematoma between the two groups (

P

>

0.05).

Conclusion

2

Electroacupuncture at Yifeng (TE17) and Fengchi (GB20) can effectively promote the recovery of voluntary movement in the middle and lower facial muscles of patients with moderate-to-severe peripheral facial paralysis in the acute stage

and improve their physical and social functions

demonstrating a high clinical application value.