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Acupuncture and neural therapy for treating Bell’s palsy

Abstract:

Introduction: The effectiveness of alternative therapies for treating Bell's palsy is still controversial. Objective: To report the experience in the treatment of Bell's palsy through joint administration of acupuncture and neural therapy. Methods: Information was collected from 30 patients with Bell's palsy, who received a weekly session of acupuncture and neural therapy jointly and were assessed using the House-Brackmann scale for 12 weeks. Results: 80% (24) of the patients continued treatment until week 12 and, at the end of the week, none reached normal motor function. Only 6 patients (25%) showed signs of recovery between weeks 6 and 12. Thus, the percentage of patients with grade IV decreased from 6 (20%), during the initial evaluation, to 3 (12%), during week 9 (p<0.001); while the percentage of patients with grade III decreased from 12 (50%), during week 9, to 9 (38%), during week 12 (p=0.663). Adverse effects were evidenced in 9 (32%) patients, including hematoma at the puncture site and syncope, which was solved without complications. Conclusions: Joint administration of acupuncture and neural therapy for at least six weeks had modest effects on the recovery of patients with Bell's palsy, without producing major adverse effects.