Treatment of peripheral facial paralysis with acupuncture at Rényíng ( ST 9) combined with stellate ganglion block: a randomized controlled trial

Abstract

ObjectiveTo explore the best therapeutic method in the treatment of peripheral facial paralysis. MethodsOne hundred and twenty cases were randomized into a conventional acupuncture group [Yángbái (▪ GB 14), Sìbái (▪ ST 2), Yíngxiang (▪ LI 20), etc.], a Rányíng (▪ ST 9) acupuncture group and an operation + acupuncture group [acupuncture at ST 9 as the main acupoint and the stellate ganglion block (SGB)], 40 cases in each one. The treatment was given once a day, 7 treatments made one session. After 3 sessions of treatment, the latency and the amplitude of the direct stimulation evoked potential of the facial nerve (ENoG) were compared before and after treatment in three groups, as well as R1 and R2 values of blink reflex (BR). The total clinical efficacy was assessed. ResultsThe latency of ENoG was shortened and the amplitude was increased significantly in three groups. After treatment, ENoG latency was lower significantly in the operation + acupuncture group as compared with that in the conventional acupuncture group (P<0.05). In the Rányíng (▪ ST 9) acupuncture group, the amplitude of ENoG was increased as compared with those in the other two groups (all P<0.05). After treatment in three groups, R1 and R2 values were decreased significantly. The differences in R1 and R2 values in the Rányíng (▪ ST 9) acupuncture group and the operation + acupuncture group before and after treatment were bigger than those in the conventional acupuncture group (all P<0.05), and the difference in R1 value in the operation + acupuncture group was bigger than that in the Rányíng (▪ ST 9) acupuncture group (P<0.05). The clinical markedly effective and curative rate was 87.5% (35/40) in the operation + acupuncture group, which was superior to 77.5% (31/40) in the Rányíng (▪ ST 9) acupuncture group and higher significantly than 65.0% (26/40) in the conventional acupuncture group (P<0.05). ConclusionCompared with the conventional acupuncture, the efficacy on peripheral facial paralysis is much better in the Rányíng (▪ ST 9) acupuncture group and the operation + acupuncture group. Moreover, the early reflex function of the damaged facial nerve is much better recovered in the operation + acupuncture group as compared with that in the Rányíng (▪ ST 9) acupuncture group.