ABSTRACT
OBJECTIVE@#To observe the effect of conventional acupuncture combined with row-like puncture at sternocleidomastoid on peripheral facial palsy at recovery stage.@*METHODS@#A total of 60 patients with peripheral facial palsy at recovery stage were randomized into an observation group and a control group, 30 cases in each one. Acupuncture was applied at affected Cuanzhu (BL 2), Yangbai (GB 14), Sibai (ST 2), Quanliao (SI 18), Jiache (ST 6), Dicang (ST 4), Hegu (LI 4), Taichong (LR 3) and Zusanli (ST 36) in the control group. On the basis of the treatment in the control group, row-like puncture was applied at sternocleidomastoid (1 needle was punctured at muscle origin and insertion respectively, 3 to 4 needles were row-like punctured at the connection line of muscle origin and insertion). The treatment was given once a day, 5 times were as one course, with 2-day interval, totally 4 courses were required in the both groups. The house-brackmann (H-B) facial nerve function grade, facial nerve function rating system-dynamic view rating scale score and facial disability index (FDI) scale score [including scores of FDI physical function (FDIp) and FDI social life function (FDIs)] before and after treatment were observed, and the clinical efficacy was evaluated in the two groups.@*RESULTS@#After treatment, the H-B facial nerve function grades were improved compared before treatment in the both groups (@*CONCLUSION@#Compared with conventional acupuncture, combination therapy with row-like puncture at sternocleidomastoid can improve the therapeutic effect of peripheral facial palsy at recovery stage.