A Bilateral Facial Nerve Palsy: A Case Report of Electroacupuncture Intervention

Abstract

Background: Bilateral facial nerve palsy is a rare condition characterized by paralysis or weakness of the facial muscles on both sides of the face, presenting unique challenges in diagnosis and management. Electroacupuncture, a therapeutic modality that applies electrical stimulation to acupuncture needles, has shown promise in treating various neurological conditions, but its efficacy in bilateral facial nerve palsy remains understudied.

Case Presentation: We present the case of a 42-year-old male patient diagnosed with bilateral facial nerve palsy of unknown etiology. Conventional treatments provided minimal improvement, prompting the exploration of electroacupuncture as an alternative therapy.

Diagnostic Assessment: Clinical examination and imaging confirmed bilateral facial nerve involvement. No contraindications to electroacupuncture were identified.

Therapeutic Intervention: Electroacupuncture treatment targeted specific acupoints along the facial nerve pathways bilaterally, including ST4 (Dicang), ST6 (Jiache), LI4 (Hegu), LI20 (Yingxiang), GB20 (Fengchi), and GV26 (Shuigou) Treatment sessions were administered over three weeks.

Follow-up and Outcome: Following electroacupuncture intervention, the patient reported significant improvement in facial muscle strength and mobility bilaterally. Objective assessments, including standardized facial nerve grading scales, demonstrated notable improvement in facial symmetry and function. No adverse effects were noted during or after treatment.

Discussion: This case highlights the potential efficacy of electroacupuncture as an adjunctive therapy for bilateral facial nerve palsy. Targeted stimulation of acupoints may facilitate neuroregeneration and functional recovery in this challenging condition.

Conclusion: Electroacupuncture intervention appears to be a promising and well-tolerated treatment option for bilateral facial nerve palsy. Further research, including larger clinical trials, is warranted to validate these findings and optimize treatment protocols.