Integrative Strategy with Ayurveda and Electro-Acupuncture in Hemifacial Spasm: a Case Report

J Acupunct Meridian Stud. 2023 Apr 30;16(2):65-69. doi: 10.51507/j.jams.2023.16.2.65.

Abstract

We report a primary hemifacial spasm that started four years ago with sudden twitching of the face towards the right side. It was diagnosed as a hemifacial spasm by a neurologist and prescribed with Zeptol 100 mg 0.5 tablet BID for two weeks, followed by two sittings of Botox injection in a gap of 1 year. A year later, it reappeared more severely, driving her towards an integrative treatment modality. Ayurveda treatments including Nasya, Ksheera dhooma, internal medications, and Rasona navaneetha prayoga were administered. GV20, GB14, EX-HN5, ST3, ST4, ST6, TE17, LI4, and GB34 were selected for electro-acupuncture. The scores of hemifacial spasm grading and quality of life scale were 9 and 20 (before), 6 and 16 (after treatment), and 4 and 10 (follow-up after six months), respectively. This integrative approach was safe and has shown an improvement in hemifacial spasm.

Keywords: Ayurveda; Electro-acupuncture; Hemifacial spasm; Integrative medicine.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Acupuncture Therapy*
  • Botulinum Toxins, Type A* / therapeutic use
  • Female
  • Hemifacial Spasm* / drug therapy
  • Humans
  • Quality of Life

Substances

  • Botulinum Toxins, Type A