Electroacupuncture Assessment of the Severity and Prognosis of Peripheral Facial Paralysis

Objective To investigate if electroacupuncture can be used to assess the severity and prognosis of peripheral facial paralysis, and the correlation with the House-Brackmann scale by evaluation using electroacupuncture stimulation of facial nerves in 90 patients with peripheral facial paralysis. Method Points Qianzheng(Ex-HN16) and Yifeng(TE17) were selected in patients with acute peripheral facial paralysis. After needle insertion, the two points were given electroacupuncture with continuous waves. The contractile activities of facial muscle groups were observed to assess the severity and prognosis of peripheral facial paralysis. A correlation analysis was made using the House-Brackmann Facial Nerve Grading System. Result There was no statistically significant difference between assessments of facial paralysis severity using electroacupuncture and the H-B scale. The two had a high negative correlation. Conclusion Electroacupuncture stimulation of facial nerves can grade facial paralysis and make a prognosis.