Question
Can acupressure treat facial palsy? My friend has just been diagnosed with facial palsy. They were fine a few days ago, but now they have a crooked mouth and are not going out much, afraid of the wind. I want to ask if acupuncture can treat facial palsy?
Answer
Facial palsy is caused by paralysis of the facial nerve. It is classified into central facial palsy (caused by brain tumors, cerebrovascular diseases, or abnormal sensory-motor parts) and peripheral facial palsy (acute facial nerve dysfunction without hemifacial spasm). It is recommended to undergo a neurology examination, blood tests, and a brain CT scan to carefully rule out central facial palsy. For peripheral facial palsy, hospitalization is required for treatment, and early medication (corticosteroids plus nutritional nerve drugs) is advised to facilitate a quick and complete recovery.