Effects of Warm Acupuncture Combined with Chinese herbal Decoction on Facial Nerve Function and Surface Electromyography in Patients with Peripheral Facial Paralysis

Abstract

Objective To explore the efficacy of warm acupuncture combined with Chinese herbal decoction on patients with peripheral facial paralysis, and its effects on facial nerve function and surface electromyography. Methods A total of 120 patients with peripheral facial paralysis treated in our hospital from Mar. 2018 to Mar. 2020 were selected, these patients were divided into the control group and observation group according to the random number table method, with 60 cases in each group. The control group were treated with Western medicine and Chinese herbal decoction, and on the basis of the control group, the observation group were treated with warm acupuncture, the facial nerve function, facial disability index physical function (FDIP) scores, FDI social function (FDIS) scores, the levels of endothelin (ET), nitric oxide (NO), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), R1 latency of blink reflex (R1 latency) and compound muscle action potential (CMAP) amplitude in the two groups were compared before and after treatment. Results After treatment, the total effective rate in the control group was significantly lower than that in the observation group (P<0.05). After treatment, the facial nerve function, FDIS, ET, TNF-α and R1 latency in both groups were significantly lower than those before treatment (P<0.05), and these indicators in the control group were significantly higher than those in the observation group (P<0.05). After treatment, the FDIP, NO, CMAP amplitude in both groups were significantly higher than those before treatment (P<0.05), and these indicators in the control group were significantly lower than those in the observation group (P<0.05). Conclusion Warm acupuncture combined with Chinese herbal decoction has notable curative effect for patients with peripheral facial paralysis, and it can significantly improve facial nerve function and the quality of life of patients.