Infrared thermography and meridian-effect evidence and explanation in Bell's palsy patients treated by moxibustion at the Hegu (LI4) acupoint Overall regulation or a specific target?

Subjects with Bell＇s palsy and healthy individuals were treated with moxibustion thermal stimulation on the Hegu （LI4） acupoint; an infrared thermal imaging system was used to observe facial-temperature changes. Bell＇s palsy patients developed low or high temperatures at the affected side, with poor symmetry. Healthy people showed high temperatures on the forehead, medial angle of the eye, nasal ala and around the lips, but low temperatures on bilateral cheeks, thus forming a ＂T-type hot area＂ in the face, with good temperature symmetry. Moxibustion treatment for 11 minutes significantly improved high asymmetry in temperature in the faces of Bell＇s palsy patients. This evidence indicates that moxibustion treatment on Hegu enables increases in facial temperatures in healthy people and Bell＇s palsy patients, especially around the lips. Moxibustion stimulation at the Hegu not only improves the global circulation but also has specific effects on the lips in Bell＇s palsy patients, but the underlying mechanism needs further investigation.

Acupuncture and vitamin B_(12) injection for Bell's palsy:no high-quality evidence exists

OBJECTIVE： To assess the efficacy of acupuncture combined with vitamin B12 acupoint injection versus acupuncture alone to reduce incomplete recovery in patients with Bell＇s palsy. DATA RETRIEVAL： A computer-based online retrieval of Medline, Web of Science, CNKI, CBM databases until April 2014 was performed for relevant trials, using the key words ＂Bell＇s palsy or idiopathic facial palsy or facial palsy＂ and＂acupuncture or vitamin B12 or methylcobalamin＂. STUDY SELECTION： All randomized controlled trials that compared acupuncture with acupuncture combined with vitamin B12 in patients with Bell＇s palsy were included in the me- ta-analysis. The initial treatment lasted for at least 4 weeks. The outcomes of incomplete facial recovery were monitored. The scoring index varied and the definition of healing was consistent. The combined effect size was calculated by using relative risk （RR） with 95% confidence interval （C/） using the fixed effect model of Review Manager. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES： Incomplete recovery rates were chosen as the primary outcome. RESULTS： Five studies involving 344 patients were included in the final analysis. Results showed that the incomplete recovery rate of Bell＇s palsy patients was 44.50% in the acupuncture combined with vitamin B12 group but 62.57% in the acupuncture alone group. The major acupoints were Taiyang （EX-HN5）, Jiache （ST6）, Dicang （ST4） and Sibai （ST2）. The combined effect size showed that acupuncture combined with vitamin B12 was better than acupuncture alone for the treatment of Belrs palsy （RR = 0.71, 95%CI： 0.58-0.87; P = 0.001）, this result held true when 8 patients lost to follow up in one study were included into the analyses （RR = 0.70, 95%CI： 0.58-0.86; P = 0.0005）. In the subgroup analyses, the therapeutic effect in patients of the electroacupuncture subgroup was better than in the non-electroacupuncture subgroup （P = 0.024）. There was no significant dif- ference in the incomplete recovery rate by subgroup analysis on drug types and treatment period. Most of the included studies were moderate or low quality, and bias existed. CONCLUSION： In patients with Bell＇s palsy, acupuncture combined with vitamin 812 can reduce the risk of incomplete recovery compared with acupuncture alone in our meta-analysis. Because of study bias and methodological limitations, this conclusion is uncertain and the clinical appli- cation of acupuncture combined with vitamin B12 requires further exploration.

Psychological Factors Are Closely Associated with the Bell's Palsy: A Case-control Study

To observe the differences in psychological status between Bell’s palsy (BP) patients and healthy subjects, and to examine the relationship between psychological factors and the severity of BP, we conducted a case-control, multi-center clinical investigation. A total of 695 subjects were assigned to the case group (n=355) and the control group (n=340). House–Brackmann grading system and Facial Disability Index (FDI) were adopted to assess the BP patients; Kessler Psychological Distress Scale (K10) and 16 Personality Factor (16PF) scale were employed to evaluate the psychological distress and personality profiles of all subjects. Two independent samples t test was used to compare the differences between cases and controls, and to compare the differences among different BP patients. Pearson correlation analysis was used to examine the relationship between psychological factors and severity of facial paralysis. The results showed that psychological distress (K10) in case group (27.09±5.80) was significantly higher than that in control group (13.43±3.02) (t=–37.219, P=0.000). The scores of personality factor Warmth (A), Openness to Change (Q1), Self-Reliance (Q2) were lower in cases than in the controls (P<0.01, P<0.05, P<0.05, respectively), whereas the scores of Sensitivity (I), Vigilance (L), Apprehension (O), and Tension (Q4) were significantly higher in cases than in the controls (P<0.05, P<0.01, P<0.01, P<0.01, respectively). In addition, the psychological distress was significantly higher in female patients, severe (HB score Ⅳ–Ⅵ) patients, and subacute (onset time 72–168 h) patients compared with that in male patients, mild (HB score Ⅰ–Ⅲ)patients, and acute (onset time≤72 h) patients (P<0.05). The scores of personality factor in female patients, severe patients, and subacute patients were also significantly different from male patients, mild patients, and acute patients (P<0.05). The result of Pearson correlation analysis showed that psychological factors (K10, personality A, F, L, N, O, Q4) were closely related to HB scores. We are led to conclude that the psychological status between BP patients and healthy people are different; psychological distress and personality factors are closely associated with severity of facial paralysis.

Isolated Bell's palsy-An unusual presentation of dengue infection

Dengue fever is a very common arthropod-borne infection in tropical countries.Neurological complications in dengue fever are relatively uncommon and among these,isolated cranial neuropathies have been reported only very rarely.We present an unusual neurological complication of Bell’s palsy(lower motor neuron 7 th nerve palsy) associated with dengue infection.To the best of our knowledge,there have been very few documented cases of Flavivirus causing isolated Bell’s palsy.

Bell's palsy at high altitude——an unsuspected finding

Background:Bell's palsy is a common condition seen in clinical practice.The aetiology of this condition is not clearly defined and neuroimaging is essential to exclude intracranial causes of infra-nuclear facial palsy.Case presentation:We report a young soldier,who presented with Bell's palsy and neuroimaging revealed an unsuspected finding of multiple intracranial calcifications.Detailed evaluation revealed the additional diagnosis of vitamin D deficiency and secondary hyperparathyroidism due to lack of sun exposure at high altitude area.Conclusion:The health care practitioners,looking after the soldiers at high altitude areas should be aware of the measures to prevent vitamin D deficiency.Intracranial calcifications are uncommon in hyperparathyroidism and Bell's palsy.

Genetic pathways in cerebral palsy:a review of the implications for precision diagnosis and understanding disease mechanisms

Ce rebral palsy is a diagnostic term utilized to describe a group of permanent disorders affecting movement and posture.Patients with cerebral palsy are often only capable of limited activity,resulting from non-progressive disturbances in the fetal or neonatal brain.These disturbances severely impact the child’s daily life and impose a substantial economic burden on the family.Although cerebral palsy encompasses various brain injuries leading to similar clinical outcomes,the unde rstanding of its etiological pathways remains incomplete owing to its complexity and heterogeneity.This review aims to summarize the current knowledge on the genetic factors influencing cerebral palsy development.It is now widely acknowledged that genetic mutations and alterations play a pivotal role in cerebral palsy development,which can be further influenced by environmental fa ctors.Des pite continuous research endeavors,the underlying fa ctors contributing to cerebral palsy remain are still elusive.However,significant progress has been made in genetic research that has markedly enhanced our comprehension of the genetic factors underlying cerebral palsy development.Moreove r,these genetic factors have been categorized based on the identified gene mutations in patients through clinical genotyping,including thrombosis,angiogenesis,mitochondrial and oxidative phosphorylation function,neuronal migration,and cellular autophagy.Furthermore,exploring targeted genotypes holds potential for precision treatment.In conclusion,advancements in genetic research have substantially improved our understanding of the genetic causes underlying cerebral palsy.These breakthroughs have the potential to pave the way for new treatments and therapies,consequently shaping the future of cerebral palsy research and its clinical management.The investigation of cerebral palsy genetics holds the potential to significantly advance treatments and management strategies.By elucidating the underlying cellular mechanisms,we can develop to rgeted interventions to optimize outcomes.A continued collaboration between researchers and clinicians is imperative to comprehensively unravel the intricate genetic etiology of cerebral palsy.

Allogeneic mesenchymal stem cells may be a viable treatment modality in cerebral palsy

BACKGROUND Cerebral palsy(CP)describes a group of disorders affecting movement,balance,and posture.Disturbances in motor functions constitute the main body of CP symptoms.These symptoms surface in early childhood and patients are affected for the rest of their lives.Currently,treatment involves various pharmacotherapies for different types of CP,including antiepileptics for epilepsy and Botox A for focal spasticity.However,none of these methods can provide full symptom relief.This has prompted researchers to look for new treatment modalities,one of which is mesenchymal stem cell therapy(MSCT).Despite being a promising tool and offering a wide array of possibilities,mesenchymal stem cells(MSCs)still need to be investigated for their efficacy and safety.AIM To analyze the efficacy and safety of MSCT in CP patients.METHODS Our sample consists of four CP patients who cannot stand or walk without external support.All of these cases received allogeneic MSCT six times as 1×106/kg intrathecally,intravenously,and intramuscularly using umbilical cord-derived MSCs(UC-MSC).We monitored and assessed the patients pre-and post-treatment using the Wee Functional Independence Measure(WeeFIM),Gross Motor Function Classification System(GMFCS),and Manual Ability Classification Scale(MACS)instruments.We utilized the Modified Ashworth Scale(MAS)to measure spasticity.RESULTS We found significant improvements in MAS scores after the intervention on both sides.Two months:Rightχ^(2)=4000,P=0.046,leftχ^(2)=4000,P=0.046;four months:Rightχ^(2)=4000,P=0.046,leftχ^(2)=4000,P=0.046;12 months:Rightχ^(2)=4000,P=0.046,leftχ^(2)=4000,P=0.046.However,there was no significant difference in motor functions based on WeeFIM results(P>0.05).GMFCS and MACS scores differed significantly at 12 months after the intervention(P=0.046,P=0.046).Finally,there was no significant change in cognitive functions(P>0.05).CONCLUSION In light of our findings,we believe that UC-MSC therapy has a positive effect on spasticity,and it partially improves motor functions.

Effect of VOJTA Therapy on Gross Motor Function in Children with Cerebral Palsy

Objective: To investigate the effect of VOJTA therapy on gross motor function in children with cerebral palsy. Methods: The 86 children with cerebral palsy were all from the First People’s Hospital of Jingzhou City from January 2023-December 2023, and were divided into the control group and the study group with 43 cases according to the principle of voluntariness. Results: In terms of total effective rate of treatment, the gross motor function scale-88 (GMFM-88) was used to evaluate the effective rate before and after treatment, and the effective rate of the study group was higher than that of the control group, and the difference was statistically significant, and the scores of gross motor items of GMFM-88 were better than those of the control group after treatment, and the difference was statistically significant (P 0.05). Conclusion: The application of VOJTA therapy in the treatment of children with cerebral palsy can not only promote the rehabilitation of gross motor function, but also help to improve the treatment effect, and the earlier the treatment, the better.

Role of targeted neuromodulation in the treatment of congenital unilateral lower lip palsy:A clinical case report

Congenital unilateral lower lip palsy(CULLP),or congenital hypoplasia of the depressor anguli oris muscle,also known as asymmetric crying facies,is a rare condition that results in asymmetry of the lower lip during smiling,laughing,and crying.Although the etiology is unknown,weakness of the depressor labii inferioris(DLI)muscle is implicated as a contributing factor.Currently,no well-established treatment options are available.This case report describes an 18-year-old male patient diagnosed with CULLP.Physical examination revealed a symmetric face at rest,but asymmetry when smiling and opening the mouth.Following the administration of lidocaine into the affected DLI muscle,the patient’s smile and lower lip symmetry were immediately restored without any adverse effects.Subsequently,administration of botulinum toxin for neuromodulation of the DLI muscle led to a significant improvement in symmetry and oral function within 2 weeks,which was sustained at 1 month and 3 months post-treatment.No adverse effects were reported,and both patients and families expressed high satisfaction with the outcomes.This case highlights the potential use of neuromodulation as a minimally invasive and effective treatment for CULLP.

Etiological Analysis of 248 Cases of Oculomotor Nerve Palsy

Objective:To explore the main causes of oculomotor nerve palsy,providing a reference for clinical diagnosis and treatment.Methods:A total of 248 patients with oculomotor nerve palsy treated in the hospital from January 2016 to January 2018 were selected,and their causes and treatments were summarized.Results:This study found that the main causes of oculomotor nerve palsy were intracranial aneurysms,brain stem lesions,and brain inflammation.A few cases were due to viral infections and congenital oculomotor nerve palsy,while some patients had unknown causes.After treatment in our hospital,most patients experienced relief,although 12 patients died.Conclusion:The etiology of oculomotor nerve palsy is complex,and choosing appropriate drugs during treatment is challenging.Timely identification of the cause is an effective method for treatment.

Mothers’challenges and experiences of children with cerebral palsy:a qualitative meta-synthesis

Objective:To examine what challenges and experiences a mother faces in caring for children with cerebral palsy(CP).As the main caregiver of children with CP,mothers are under multiple pressures.Even though mothers’challenges and experiences of children with CP will affect their quality of life and the rehabilitation of the children,little is known about their challenges and experiences during the whole care.Methods:A qualitative meta-synthesis was conducted to extract and analyze qualitative research from the PubMed,CINAHL,PsycINFO,Web of Science,Ovid and MEDLINE databases.Thirteen articles were selected and analyzed using thematic syntheses.Results:From 2522 screened abstracts,84 texts were reviewed,and 13 studies met the inclusion criteria.Mothers’challenges and experiences of children with CP include 4 themes,both positive and negative.Conclusions:The mothers of children with CP suffer from physical burden,as well as psychological pressure,in the care experience;social and healthcare support are their main challenges.Interventions to help them face the difficulties and adapt to the role of caregivers as soon as possible should target multiple aspects in order to maximize effectiveness,to promote the healthy growth of children with CP.

An overview of acupuncture for the treatment of limb spasticity in cerebral palsy-A mini review

Cerebral palsy is a common chronic disabling disease in children with special needs,and rehabilitation for cerebral palsy is characterized by a long period,multiple methods and limited efficacy.Due to the limited motor function of cerebral palsy patients,the quality of life of patients is reduced,and their ability to participate in society is reduced,so the improvement of patients’motor function has become an important goal of cerebral palsy rehabilitation.The motor function of cerebral palsy has become an important goal of cerebral palsy rehabilitation.Limb spasticity is one of the main clinical signs of cerebral palsy patients,and the more severe the limb spasticity is,the greater the impact on the patient's motor function,so improving limb spasticity in patients with cerebral palsy is particularly important.Acupuncture,as a Chinese medicine treatment method,has been widely used in the clinical treatment of cerebral palsy in China,and has shown certain efficacy.To promote the clinical application of acupuncture technique in cerebral palsy limb spasticity,this paper analyses and summarizes the relevant literature on acupuncture treatment of cerebral palsy limb spasticity summarizes the current status of the clinical application of acupuncture in cerebral palsy limb spasticity,and provides clinical references for the reasonable application of acupuncture in cerebral palsy limb spasticity.

A Case Report on Treating Progressive Supranuclear Palsy with a Combination of Chinese and Western Medicine

A case of progressive supranuclear palsy in a 66-year-old woman is presented.The patient complained of“progressive stiffness of both lower limbs for five years,accompanied by choking and coughing for more than 1 year,”and was diagnosed with paralysis in traditional Chinese medicine(TCM),which was characterized by a deficiency of liver and kidney,and phlegm and blood stasis blocking the collaterals.Western medicine diagnosed it as progressive supranuclear palsy.The patient was diagnosed with“Parkinson’s disease”several times in the past and was given“polybasic hydrazide”and“amantadine hydrochloride tablets,”etc.The patient did not have significant symptomatic relief,so she sought further treatment with a combination of traditional Chinese and Western medicine.Based on the concept of deficiency and excess,this disease is categorized as a paralytic disease in Chinese medicine,and the onset of the disease is closely related to the deficiency of the body after a long period of illness,with wind,phlegm,blood stasis,and deficiency as the main pathogenetic mechanism.The treatment is based on the combination of disease and evidence,with traditional Chinese medicine and acupuncture as the main treatments,supplemented by intermediate-frequency pulsed electrical stimulation,transcranial repetitive magnetic stimulation,medicated canisters,wax therapy,traditional Chinese medicine guasha,and acupoint injections.Western medicine is based on symptomatic treatment,and the patient’s symptoms were relieved significantly after the combination of Chinese and Western medicine.

Clinical Study on Improving Articulation Clarity in Spastic Cerebral Palsy with 120 Cases of Oral-Facial Acupressure Combined with Oral Placement Therapy

Objective:To observe the efficacy of oral-facial acupressure combined with oral placement therapy(OPT)in improving articulation clarity in 120 children with spastic cerebral palsy,and to explore effective therapeutic solutions for speech disorders associated with spastic cerebral palsy.Methods:A total of 120 children with spastic cerebral palsy and speech disorders,meeting the inclusion criteria,were randomly assigned into two groups:60 cases in the treatment group and 60 cases in the control group.The treatment group received orofacial acupressure combined with OPT,while the control group received only OPT.The Oral Motor Function Assessment Scale(OMFAS),developed by the China Rehabilitation Research Centre(CRRC),was used to evaluate the treatment outcomes before and after the intervention.Results:After the treatment,both the treatment and control groups showed improved mobility of the mandible,lips,and tongue.However,the treatment group exhibited significantly better improvement than the control group,with the difference between the two groups being statistically significant(P<0.05).Conclusion:Oral-facial acupressure combined with OPT can effectively improve articulation clarity in children with spastic cerebral palsy.This combined therapy is recommended for clinical promotion and application.

Effect of Thick-Needle Therapy in Patients with Bell's Palsy at Recovery Stage: A Multi-center Randomized Controlled Trial

Objective:To compare the clinical effects of thick-needle therapy(TNT)and acupuncture therapy(AT)on patients with Bell's palsy(BP)at the recovery stage.Methods:A total of 146 eligible participants from 3 hospitals in China were randomized into the TNT group(73 cases)and the AT group(73 cases)using a central randomization.Both groups received Western medicine thrice a day for 4 weeks.Moreover,patients in the TNT group received subcutaneous insertion of a thick needle into Shendao(GV 11)acupoint,while patients in the AT group received AT at acupoints of Cuanzhu(BL 2),Yangbai(GB 14),Dicang(ST 4),Xiaguan(ST 7),Jiache(ST 6),Yingxiang(LI 20)and Hegu(LI 4),4 times a week,for 4 weeks.Both groups received 2 follow-up visits,which were arranged at 1 month and 3 months after treatment,respectively.The primary outcome measure was House-Brackmann Facial Nerve Grading System(HBFNGS)grade.And the clinical recovery rates of both groups were evaluated according to the HBFNGS grades after treatment.The secondary outcome measures included the facial disability index(FDI)and electroneurogram(EnoG).The adverse events were observed and recorded in both groups.Results:Three cases withdrew from the trial,2 in the TNT group and 1 in the AT group.There was no significant difference in the clinical recovery rates between the TNT and AT groups after 4-week treatment[40.85%(29/71)vs.34.72%(25/72),P>0.05].At the 2nd follow-up visit,more patients in the TNT group showed reduced HBFNGS grades than those in the AT group(P<0.01).No significant difference was observed between the two groups in FDI score,EnoG latency and maximum amplitude ratio at all time points(all P>0.05).Conclusion:The clinical effect of TNT was equivalent to that of AT in patients with BP at recovery stage,while the post-treatment effect of TNT was superior to that of AT.

Warm needling moxibustion at Xià guān(下关 ST 7) plus shallow Puncture for Bell's palsy in pregnancy

Objective To observe the effects of a protocol consisting of warm needling with moxibustion at Xiàguān（下关 ST 7） plus shallow puncture on Bell＇s palsy（BP） in pregnancy.Methods Thirteen patients with BP received an intervention of warm needling moxibustion at ST 7 plus shallow puncture,and were evaluated using the House–Brackmann facial nerve grading system（HB） before and after intervention.Result After intervention,the HB grade improved significantly（P0.05）.Conclusion Warm needling moxibustion plus shallow puncture is a safe and effective therapy for pregnant BP patients.BP in pregnancy appears to be more frequent in the last trimester.The severity of nerve injury and the timing for the first visit to the doctor after the onset of facial paralysis are essential factors for the recovery and prognosis of pregnant with BP.

Observation on the therapeutic effect of time-oriented points opening of Linggui Bafa for Bell's palsy

Objective To evaluate the therapeutic effect and safety of time-oriented points opening of Linggui Bafa for Bell＇s palsy and provide a new idea for the clinical treatment of this problem. Methods Fifty-four cases included in the study were randomized into two groups, and the treatment group was treated with the routine acupuncture combined with time-oriented points opening of Linggui Bafa. The control group was treated with the routine acupuncture only, Hegu （合谷 El 4）, Kunlun （昆仑 BL 60）, Jiache （颊车 ST 6）, Dicang （地仓 ST 4）, Xiaguan （下关 ST 7）, Cuanzhu （攒竹 BL 2）, Yangbai （附白 GB 14）, and Quanliao （颧髎 SI 18） were selected as the main points. The manipulation and time of retaining needles were as same as the treatment group. Both groups were treated once a day, 5 days made one session and 4 sessions were required in all. Modified Portmann＇s scale, Horse-Brackmann grading scale （H-B）, FDIP and FDIS were used to assess the therapeutic effect after the treatment. Results The curative and improvement rate in the treatment group was 80.8% （22/26）, and that in the control group was 66.7% （16/24）, with the statistically significant difference （P〈O.05）, the comparison of scores of Portmann＇s scale, H-B, FDIP and FDIS in the same group and between the two groups before and after the treatment also had statistically significant differences （all P〈0.05）. Conclusion The method of time-oriented points opening of Linggui Bafa for Bell＇s palsy is better than the routine acupuncture for Bell＇s palsy.

Acupuncture for Bell's Palsy:A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

Objective： To assess the clinical evidence for and against acupuncture as a treatment for Bell＇s palsy. Methods： We conducted a literature search of 15 databases from their inception to December 2010 without language restrictions. We included all randomized clinical trials （RCTs） regardless of their controls. Methodological quality was evaluated using the Cochrane risk of bias assessment tool. Results： Of the 3 474 articles, only eight RCTs met our inclusion criteria. Four RCTs tested the effects of acupuncture against drug therapy on disease response rate. The meta-analysis of these data showed significant improvements in the acupuncture group [n=463, risk ratio （RR）=1.07, 95% CI： 1.02 to 1.13; P=0.006, I^2=0%]. Six RCTs tested the effects of acupuncture plus drug therapy versus drug therapy alone. The meta-analysis of this set of RCTs also showed the favorable effects of acupuncture on disease response rate （n=512, RR=1.11, 95% CI： 1.05 to 1.17; P=0.001, I^2=13%）. Conclusions： The evidence supporting the effectiveness of acupuncture for treating Bell＇s palsy is limited. The number and quality of trials are too low to form firm conclusions. Further rigorous RCTs are warranted but need to overcome the many limitations of the current evidence.

Electrical response grading versus House-Brackmannscale for evaluation of facial nerve injury after Bell's palsy: a comparative study

OBJECTIVE： There are no convenient techniques to evaluate the degree of facial nerve injury during a course of acupuncture treatment for Bell＇s palsy. Our previous studies found that observing the electrical response of specific facial muscles provided reasonable correlation with the prognosis of electroacupuncture treatment. Hence, we used the new method to evaluate the degree of facial nerve injury in patients with Bell＇s palsy in comparison with the House-Brackmann scale. The relationship between therapeutic effects and prognosis was analyzed to explore an objective method for evaluating Bell＇s palsy. METHODS： The facial nerve function of 68 patients with Bell＇s palsy was assessed with both electrical response grading and the House-Brackmann scale before treatment. Then differences in evaluation results of the two methods were compared. All enrolled patients received electroacupuncture treatment with disperse-dense wave at 1/100 Hz for 4 weeks. After treatment, correlation analysis was conducted to find the relationship between electrical response and therapeutic effects or prognosis. RESULTS： Checking consistency between electrical response grading and House-Brackmann scale： Kappa value 0.028 （P = 0.578）. Correlation analysis： the two methods were correlated with the prognosis, and electrical response grading （rER = 0.789） was better than the House-Brackmann scale （rHB = 0.423）. CONCLUSION： Electrical response grading is superior to the House-Brackmann scale in efficacy and reliability, and can conveniently assess the degree of facial nerve injury. The House-Brackmann scale is suitable for the patients with mild facial nerve injury, but its evaluation quality for severe facial nerve injury is poor.

Effect of Acupuncture Combined with Blood-letting by a Three-edged Needle on 50 cases of Bell's Palsy at the Acute Stage

Objective:To observe clinical effects of acupuncture combined with blood-letting by a three-edged needle for treating Bell's palsy of wind-heat syndrome at the acute stage.Methods:One hundred patients were randomly divided into a treatment group(50 cases) treated by acupuncture plus blood-letting and a control group(50 cases) treated by simple acupuncture.Four courses of treatments were given in both groups.The main symptoms and signs were observed and clinical effects evaluated with scores after one week,2 weeks and one month of treatments respectively.Results:After treatment,the scores for symptoms and signs were significantly different from those before treatment in both groups(P<0.05 or P<0.01).After one month of treatment,the improvement of the symptoms and signs in the treatment group was more than that in the control group with a significant difference(P<0.05).Conclusion:Acupuncture plus blood-letting can produce good therapeutic effects on Bell's palsy of wind-heat syndrome at the acute stage.