Acupuncture?

[Rhcdad]

My primary has suggested acupuncture to help with my continued facial weakness and inability to close my left eye. She thinks this may help the nerve improve . I have had  slow improvement using facial massage at home and wondered if anyone has used this technique and if so to what results? I have never had acupuncture in my life so it is all new to me. Thank you so much.

[ccooper]

I had right side facial paralysis post surgery in February 2016. I did acupuncture for five weeks, twice a week, and then returned to work so I didn't have time.

I can't tell you that it did anything for me. I always knew going into it that its time that heals. BUT is can't say it didn't help. For me I was fresh out of surgery with full paralysis. I always said if anything, it was a great 30 minute nap. If it wasn't helping my face, it was unbelievably relaxing and that alone is healing. I'd recommend it and have thought about trying it again but with a different doctor that my neighbor used. He had Bells Palsy treated by him.

[Rhcdad]

Appreciate, I made my appointment for August, wish you well. Stay Strong.

[Mei Mei]

Accupuntcture.   It's a great help for the back pain but for the post surgical pain, it is not help.  It is a temporary help

[caryawilson]

Many people believe in acupuncture, including my brother, but it is NOT FDA approved nor do I believe it works.  In the majority of cases, including facial paralysis caused by a virus, the condition self corrects in less than 6 months, hence acupuncture may get credit for a condition that heals on it's own/

As normal with AN, I was lucky / unlucky that my FN was removed, so I started nerve graphs immediately after my AN surgery to re-animate my face.  It's been a great recovery and 14 months later I can smile.

Last week I talked with my Facial Plastic Surgeon (Dr. Kofi Boahene at Hopkins).  We discussed the scenario where patients have Facial paralysis but with the nerve intact.  He said that while it may correct within two years, if patients DON'T see improvements within 6 months, they should seek a surgical option.  I guess the reconstruction surgery after the muscle has atrophied is much more complicated and requires a nerve and muscle graft.  You should start discussing options with a facial reconstruction specialist immediately after your AN surgery so you can be prepared if it doesn't improve and know your options.

As for "inability" to close the eye.  If this is your current problem, you need a gold weight inserted in the eyelid to help close the eye.  This is critical.   Also, if you are having problems producing tears you will probably need to: a. plug the tear ducts (simple 2 minute procedure) and a prescription for restasis to help with the tears.    Dr. Boahene can handle the gold weight, but I would recommend an eye plastic surgeon and cornea doctor.

I highly recommend Dr. Boahene... amazing.

[evelyn998]

Acupuncture is widely used in peripheral facial paralysis treatment. Acupuncture when performed by a skilled clinic has many benefits. When fine, sterile needles are inserted into the body's energy points, it can help stabilize our natural functions. I met with an accident in the last year and tried acupuncture for pain relief from Physio now, Mississauga ( http://www.physionow.ca/services/acupuncture/ ), it was really useful.

[Machia2332]

I totally agree with the emphasis on a "skilled clinic" from your post.  A lot of the posts that I read in the discussion forums make it sound like acupuncture is the same thing no matter where and by whom it is performed.  In my area there are several naturopaths who do some acupuncture, but it doesn't mean that they are specialized in it.  I recommend finding a practitioner with good credentials and recommendations.

My experience with Acupuncture pre-surgery is that it brought back some of the lost hearing on my affected side and helped my body to feel rested and very energized after a session.  This helped a lot with coping with the pre-surgery symptoms like headache and fatigue.  My practitioner also mentioned that it usually takes 3-4 sessions before most benefits are noticeable.    (I'm only 6 weeks post-op, so I haven't reached a conclusion about post-op yet after 3 sessions.)

[dredfern]

I used to be an acupuncturist before changing career a year ago.  I would recommend it highly. I planned it for my own recovery however, never needed it.  My face and balance and dizziness are fine. Sadly you can't fix a CSF leak with it.  good luck