Abstract
[Objective] Peripheral facial paralysis with sequelae (PFPS) reduces the quality of life (QOL) of patients. However, not much information is available on acupuncture treatment (AT) for PFPS. We report a case of a patient with PFPS whose sequelae and QOL were successfully improved by a combination of medication, physical therapy (PT) and AT.
[Case] A 42-year-old woman. Her chief complaint was facial tightness, facial asymmetry, and synkinesis.
[History of present illness] Left paralysis developed in November X-1, and Bell's palsy was diagnosed. Yanagihara Score (YS) was 6 points. She received intravenous steroid treatment during hospitalization for 9 days after second week after onset. In addition, she was given facial nerve decompression on January 24, X. but there was
no change. Subsequently, she visited the Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, The University of Tokyo on 24 April. Electroneurography was 4%, YS was16 points and synkinesis was found. AT was started from May 29, X.
[Acupuncture treatment] We performed AT on muscle for facial expression for contractural reduction. Also, we
instructed self-care techniques such as massage, open-eyelid exercise, individual muscle strengthening exercise and matters that require attention in everyday life. AT was performed 19 times, once every one to two weeks.
[Assessment and Progress] Measurements of YS, synkinesis, synkinetic potential (SP), Facial Clinimetric Evaluation Scale (FS) were evaluated at about 7 and 15 months after onset. YS (point) changed from 24 to 34, synkinesis changed from (++) to (+), SP did not change, FS (point) increased from 41 to 57.
[Discussion and Conclusion] Treatment for PFPS is limited and reduces QOL. We added regular acupuncture treatment to medication and PT for PFPS. As a result, we were able to relieve sequelae, contributing to improvement in the quality of life. It is suggested that AT might have efficacy for PFPS.
