Two Cases Report of Acupuncture Treatment at the Acupoint BL1 (Jingming) of Both Eyes in Treating Traumatic Trochlear Nerve Palsy

Abstract

Purpose: To explore a safe and effective therapy in treating diplopia due to traumatic trochlear nerve palsy. Subjects: Two cases of traumatic trochlear nerve palsy both induced by motorcycle traffic accidents were presented in this study. Both cases were right superior oblique muscle palsy after an accidental head injury affected for more than 6 months (case 1) and 4 years (case 2). Methods of treatment: Both cases were subjected to acupuncture therapy at the acupoint BL1 (Jingming) of both eyes using disposable stainless steel acupuncture needles and were clinically evaluated by the ophthalmologist after each session. Each session extended to 20 minutes, 2 or 3 sessions per week till fully recovered. Result: Clinical symptoms of both cases were significantly improved after 3 sessions and continued the treatment for two more months to consolidate the curative effect due to fear of recurrence of symptoms. Conclusion: Acupuncture can be considered an effective therapy in the treatment of diplopia due to traumatic trochlear nerve palsy in addition to conservative therapy.