Clinical effects of needle-pricking therapy on peripheral facial paralysis

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of needle-pricking therapy on peripheral facial paralysis.

METHODS: This study included 162 patients with peripheral facial paralysis, 107 of whom were treated with usual care (conventional and alternative treatments) and 55 of whom were additionally treated with needle-pricking therapy on 3 specific extra-meridian acupuncture points known as 'Samjoong' (Sānchóng in Chinese). We evaluated changes in facial motor functions and sequelae using the Yanagihara and gross House-Brackmann grading systems before and after treatments.

RESULTS: Yanagihara score and House-Brackmann grade significantly improved after treatments in both groups. However, the needle-pricking therapy group showed greater improvements in Yanagihara score and House-Brackmann grade than the usual care group.

CONCLUSION: Our results suggest that Samjoong needle-pricking therapy could be applied as an adjunct therapy to usual care for patients with peripheral facial paralysis.