Clinical and morphometric examination of acupuncture effect in Bell’s palsy sequelae.

Purpose: The aim of present study was to evaluate clinical and morphometric differences and to determine the improvement in facial movements in pre- and postacupuncture treatments of patients with Bell’s palsy sequelae. Materials and Methods: A total of 40 patients with Bell’s palsy sequeale (20 acupuncture group-20 control group) were included in this study. The acupuncture group consisted of Bell’s palsy sequelae and scheduled for acupuncture theraphy (12 sessions). The control group consisted of Bell’s palsy sequelae, being kept on the waiting list. The deatiled medical histories were obtained from all patients. Morphometric measurements were performed based on determined anatomical points on both affected and unaffected sides of the faces in resting and smiling positions. At the end of the study clinical evaluations and morphometric measurements were repeated and results were analyzed statistically. Results: The significant difference was observed in the headache symptoms of the acupuncture group patients in terms of clinical evaluations. In acupuncture group, there was statistically significant difference in pre- and posttreatment values of the affected side in the resting and smiling positions. There were significant changes in clinical symptoms and facial movements in the affected side of the face in the acupuncture group patients. Conclusion: Acupuncture therapy may be considered to have a significant therapeutic effect on changes in facial movements especially in clinical and morphometric aspects of Bell’s palsy sequelae. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]