ABSTRACT
<b>PURPOSE</b> : To examine the therapeutic efficacy of contact needle therapy (CNT) for peripheral facial paralysis<br><b>STUDY DESIGN</b> : Case series study<br><b>METHODS</b> : A total of 15 patients (Bell's palsy, 13 cases ; Ramsay Hunt syndrome) with peripheral facial paralysis who first visited between April 1, 2008 and March 31, 2013 and received CNT were examined in this study. Using the Yanagihara paralysis score, complete recovery was defined as a score improved to 36 within about 6 months of paralysis onset, and without moderate or worsened residual morbid synergic movements.<br><b>RESULTS</b> : In all cases, the patient had received standard otological treatment. Median age was 65 years (range, 23-84 years). Median interval from onset of paralysis to first acupuncture treatment was 13 days (range, 4-105 days). Eight patients had an electroneurography (ENoG) value of < 10%. Eight patients achieved complete recovery. Two of the 8 patients with complete recovery had an ENoG value of < 10%.<br><b>CONCLUSION</b> : Not only in-situ acupuncture and electroacupuncture treatments, but also CNT may represent effective acupuncture treatments for peripheral facial paralysis.
ABSTRACT
Since ancient times, acupuncture and moxibustion have been widely administrated for any emergency case. In this country, they have been endeavored at establishing the harmony between Kampo and Modern medicine. Based on such background, we report two cases of colic pain attack of lithiasis successfully treated with contact needle therapy established by Bunkei Ono.In case one, ureterolithiasis brought colic back pain. Symptoms were improved with satisfaction for one session and the stone discharged via following Kampo-medication.In case two, the patient suffered from colic epigastralgia of choledocholithiasis complicated by severe appetite loss. Although one session successfully extinguished the symptoms, blood chemistry revealed implying signs of cholangitis. A laparotomy with T-tube drainage was performed eventually.These cases pronounced the efficacy of contact needle therapy in the treatment of colic pain and invited deliberate estimation with Modern medicine. The harmony between Kampo and Modern medicine was considered as a prerequisite for clinical practice.