title: [Correlation between facial nerve functional evaluation and efficacy evaluation of acupuncture treatment for Bell's palsy].
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To assess and grade facial nerve dysfunction according to the extent of facial paralysis in the clinical course of acupuncture treatment for Bell's palsy, and to observe the interrelationship between the grade, the efficacy and the period of treatment, as well as the effect on prognosis.
  
  
  METHODS
  The authors employed the House-Brackmann scale, a commonly used evaluation scale for facial paralysis motor function, and set standards for eye fissure and lips. According to the improved scale, the authors assessed and graded the degree of facial paralysis in terms of facial nerve dysfunction both before and after treatment. The grade was divided into five levels: mild, moderate, moderately severe, severe dysfunction and complete paralysis. The authors gave acupuncture treatment according to the state of the disease without artificially setting the treatment period. The observation was focused on the efficacy and the efficacy was evaluated throughout the entire treatment process.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Fifty-three cases out of 68 patients with Bell's palsy were cured and the overall rate of efficacy was 97%. Statistically significant differences (P<0.01) were perceived among the efficacy of five levels of facial nerve dysfunction. Efficacy was correlated with the damage level of the disease (correlation coefficient r=0.423, P<0.01). The course of treatment also extended with the severity of facial nerve dysfunction (P<0.01).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Differences exist in patients with Bell's palsy in terms of severity of facial nerve dysfunction. Efficacy is reduced in correlation with an increase in facial nerve dysfunction, and the period of treatment varies in need of different levels of facial nerve dysfunction. It is highly necessary to assess and grade patients before observation and treatment in clinical study, and choose corresponding treatment according to severity of damage of the disease.
authors.affiliation: Department of Acupuncture and Moxibustion, General Hospital of the People's Liberation Army, Beijing, China. zhouzhangling@sina.com
authors.forename: Zhang-ling
authors.initials: ZL
authors.lastname: Zhou
authors.forename: Cheng-xin
authors.initials: CX
authors.lastname: Li
authors.forename: Yue-bo
authors.initials: YB
authors.lastname: Jiang
authors.forename: Cong
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Zuo
authors.forename: Yun
authors.initials: Y
authors.lastname: Cai
authors.forename: Rui
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Wang
mesh_terms: D015670:Acupuncture Therapy; D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D020330:Bell Palsy / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000628:therapy*; D005154:Facial Nerve / Q000503:physiopathology*; D005158:Facial Paralysis / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000628:therapy; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011379:Prognosis; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D055815:Young Adult