Objective: To observe the therapeutic effects of acupuncture for treatment of different stages of Bell's palsy, and explore the best intervention period.
Methods: Forty cases of Bell's palsy patients were divided into three groups according to their onset time: an active stage group, a resting stage group and a recovery stage group. The scores were evaluated with Sunnybrook Facial Nerve Evaluation System and Facial Disability Index Questionnaire (FDI). All three groups were treated with acupuncture. Fengchi (GB 20), Dicang (ST 4), Jiache (ST 6), Qianzheng (Extra), Sibai (ST 2), Yangbai (GB 14) on the affected side and Hegu (LI 4) on the healthy side were selected as main points. Dazhui (GV 14), Chengjiang (CV 24), Shuigou (GV 26) and Cuanzhu (BL 2), Yuyao (EX-HN 4), Yifeng (TE 17), Tinghui (GB 2), Quanliao (SI 18), Xiaguan (ST 7), Yingxiang (LI 20) on the affected side were selected as adjuvant points. Operation: reducing was performed at Fengchi (GB 20), Hegu (LI 4) and Dazhui (GV 14), while mild tonification and mild purgation was performed at other points. The therapeutic effect was evaluated again by scoring after the clinical recovery or treatment of 20 times.
Results: (1) Acupuncture was effective for the Bell's palsy in active stage, resting stage and recovery stage (all P<0. 01); (2) The obvious effective rate of acupuncture for treatment of Bell's palsy in the active stage group was obviously superior to those of resting stage group and recovery stage (both P<0. 01). (3) There was no significant difference of the obvious effective rate between the resting stage group and the recovery stage group (P>0. 05).
Conclusion: Acupuncture has a good therapeutic effect for treatment of Bell's palsy, and the therapeutic effect is most obvious with intervention of treatment in the active stage.