Observation on the Effect of Dong's Extra Point Acupuncture in Treating 90 Cases of Refractory Facial Paralysis

doi:10.16458/j.cnki.1007-0893.2025.10.016

Abstract：Objective: To explore the effect of Dong's extra point acupuncture in treating refractory facial paralysis based on the theory of the Five Spirits. Methods: A total of 90 patients with refractory facial paralysis admitted to Henan Rongjun Hospital from January 2021 to December 2023 were selected and randomly divided into a conventional group and an acupuncture group, with 45 cases in each group. The conventional group received conventional Western medical treatment, while the acupuncture group received additional Dong's extra point acupuncture on top of the conventional treatment. The facial nerve function, Facial Disability Index (FDI), and electromyography of the facial nerve were compared before and after treatment between the two groups. The clinical efficacy and incidence of adverse reactions were also compared. Results: After treatment, the distribution of House-Brackmann (H-B) facial nerve function grades improved in both groups compared to before treatment, with the acupuncture group showing better results than the conventional group, and the difference was statistically significant (P<0.05). After treatment, the FDIP scores and facial nerve amplitude in both groups were higher than before treatment, with the acupuncture group showing higher values than the conventional group. The FDIS scores and facial nerve motor conduction latency were lower or shorter than before treatment, with the acupuncture group showing lower or shorter values than the conventional group, and the differences were statistically significant (P<0.05). The total effective rate in the acupuncture group (91.11%) was higher than that in the conventional group (75.56%), and the difference was statistically significant (P<0.05). Except for one case of subcutaneous hematoma in the acupuncture group, no other adverse reactions were observed in the other patients. Conclusion: Using Dong's extra point acupuncture to treat refractory facial paralysis can effectively promote improvement in facial nerve function, reduce facial disability, improve facial nerve electromyography, show obvious clinical efficacy, and have high safety.