Don't Want Lasting Effects After Facial Paralysis?

The causes of facial paralysis are broadly categorized into central and peripheral. Here, we will discuss peripheral facial paralysis, which is relatively common. We will focus on the peripheral type of facial paralysis and discuss the effects of acupuncture and moxibustion therapy on this condition.

Peripheral Facial Paralysis

Among peripheral facial paralysis, frequently observed conditions are Bell's palsy and Ramsay Hunt syndrome, which typically account for 70% of all facial paralysis cases. Consequently, research reports (or case reports) on acupuncture and moxibustion therapy mostly focus on these two diseases.

Bell's Palsy

Bell's palsy affects 25 to 32 people per 100,000 population, while the incidence of Ramsay Hunt syndrome has been reported as 2-3 people. Bell's palsy is the more commonly observed form. Although the etiologic details of Bell's palsy remain unclear, ischemia or viral infection has been pointed out as its cause. In recent years, reactivation of HSV type 1 within the geniculate ganglion has been hypothesized as a significant factor.

Ramsay Hunt Syndrome

Ramsay Hunt syndrome, on the other hand, is known to be caused by latent infection within the ganglion by VZV. In any case, edema and subsequent compression within the facial nerve canal cause facial nerve inflammation and ischemia, which in turn exacerbates the edema, ultimately leading to paralysis.

In the early stages of facial paralysis, the use of steroids is sometimes recommended for facial nerve decompression. Specifically, recommendations for oral steroid administration are classified as "A," meaning they are strongly recommended and thus represent the most recommended form of treatment.

Steroid Therapy and Other Treatments

Steroid therapy was classified with a recommendation level of A for treatment during the acute phase, while a recommendation level of B was assigned only to high-dose steroid therapy for Bell's palsy. In this paper, the efficacy of acute-phase acupuncture and moxibustion therapy could not be confirmed at present, leading to a judgment of C2 (cannot be recommended due to insufficient scientific evidence). While low-frequency electrical stimulation was classified as D, treatment modalities classified as A or B for chronic peripheral facial paralysis in the chronic phase (e.g., acupuncture, moxibustion) have not yet been mentioned.

This section shows frequently used acupuncture points for facial paralysis. Research on facial paralysis treatment using such acupuncture points has been reported.

In cases of facial paralysis, it is crucial to initiate appropriate treatment in the early stages to enable rapid recovery and prevent long-term sequelae. If you suspect early symptoms of facial paralysis, it is recommended to seek appropriate medical attention promptly.

Conclusion

Today, we discussed common forms of facial paralysis, such as Bell's palsy and Ramsay Hunt syndrome.