Observational analysis on role of acupuncture in duration of functional recovery in Bell’s Palsy: A pilot study

Abstract

Bell's palsy is a peripheral unilateral facial weakness (lower motor neuron) paralysis with an acute onset yet unknown cause. Bell's palsy accounts for almost three quarters of peripheral facial palsies and the annual incidence is about 15 to 30 patients per 100000 with equal numbers of males and females. Acupuncture has been a safe clinical practice. It has a low risk of adverse events. Besides having a good safety margin, it is also a very cost-effective therapy. To our knowledge, acupuncture is yet not popular in therapeutics in Nepal and this study is first of its kind to describe the therapeutic value of acupuncture. With the usage of acupuncture, we found that the duration of recovery from severe Bell's palsy was quite rapid than expected.