Tratamiento con acupuntura y moxibustión de una paciente con parálisis facial congénita por síndrome de Moebius

Abstract

Moebius syndrome is a congenital disorder characterized by an impairment of the VI and VII cranial nerves causing facial inexpressiveness and inability to smile. Often are also affected other cranial nerves, becoming alterations of muscles and bones with breathing difficulties and swallowing. We treated with acupuncture and moxibustion a woman aged 39 who presented this syndrome. After determining the diagnosis according to traditional chinese medicine, we began treatment with a weekly session of 20 min duration during 10 weeks. The acupuncture points were intended to invigorate the organs that are in deficiency. From the fourth session, the patient started to show an overall improvement and mobilize the muscles attached to the VII cranial nerve, by changing its facial expression.