Zhongguo Zhen Jiu. 2026 May 12;46(5):719-724. doi: 10.13703/j.0255-2930.20250326-k0002. Epub 2026 Mar 4.
ABSTRACT
OBJECTIVE: To observe the effect of electroacupuncture (EA) at Yifeng (TE17) and Fengchi (GB20) on the prognosis in the patients with moderate-to-severe peripheral facial paralysis in the acute stage.
METHODS: A total of 68 patients with moderate-to-severe peripheral facial paralysis in the acute stage were randomly allocated to an EA group (2 cases dropped out, 1 case was eliminated) and an acupuncture group (2 cases dropped out, 1 case was eliminated). Both groups received basic administration with western medication, and the conventional acupuncture was operated at Yangbai (GB14), Sibai (ST2), Quanliao (SI18), Jiache (ST6), Dicang (ST4), Yifeng (TE17), Fengchi (GB20), etc. on the affected side. Additionally, in the EA group, Yifeng (TE17) and Fengchi (GB20) were connected to an electroacupuncture apparatus and stimulated with continuous wave, at the frequency of 4 Hz, and the current intensity of 1-5 mA for 20 min; and in the acupuncture group, no electric stimulation was exerted at these two acupoints after connected to the apparatus. In both groups, the intervention was delivered twice weekly, at the interval of 3 days, and for 12 consecutive weeks. In 12 weeks after treatment completion, the incidence of complications was observed in both groups. The Sunnybrook facial nerve grading system (SFGS) and facial disability index (FDI) were scored and compared between the two groups before and after treatment, and the safety was assessed.
RESULTS: The incidence of complications was 6.5% (2/31) in the EA group and 16.1% (5/31) in the acupuncture group, with no statistically significant difference between the two groups (P>0.05). After treatment, the total scores of SFGS, the total voluntary movement scores and the scores on raising eyebrows, closing eyes tightly, showing teeth in a smile, wrinkling nose and puckering lips were all increased (P<0.01), the total static symmetry scores, and the scores on facial symmetry at rest (eye, cheek and oral commissure) were reduced when compared with those before treatment in the two groups (P<0.01); and the EA group was higher in the total score of SFGS, the total voluntary movement score and the scores on wrinkling nose and puckering lips when compared with those in the acupuncture group (P<0.05, P<0.01). After treatment, FDI-physical function (FDIP) scores increased, and FDI-social function (FDIS) scores decreased in both groups compared with those before treatment (P<0.01), and in the EA group, FDIP score was higher and FDIS score was lower in comparison with those in the acupuncture group (P<0.05). The differences were not statistically significant in the incidence of subcutaneous hematoma between the two groups (P>0.05).
CONCLUSION: Electroacupuncture at Yifeng (TE17) and Fengchi (GB20) can effectively promote the recovery of voluntary movement in the middle and lower facial muscles of patients with moderate-to-severe peripheral facial paralysis in the acute stage, and improve their physical and social functions, demonstrating a high clinical application value.
PMID:42116775 | DOI:10.13703/j.0255-2930.20250326-k0002
