Acupuncture for Bell’s Palsy and Trigeminal Neuralgia
Category : Blog
Dr. Collard has recently treated patients for each of these unique facial conditions and has seen great improvement in patients who use acupuncture to treat their symptoms.
About Bell’s Palsy
Bell’s Palsy occurs when a facial nerve becomes inflamed or compressed, and shows up as a weakness or paralysis of the facial muscles, often affecting just one side of the face. Common symptoms include sudden facial drooping, difficulty closing one eye, loss of taste, ear or jaw pain, sensitivity to sound, or headache. This condition is often linked to a viral inflammation (such as herpes simples virus—which is what causes cold sores).
Bell’s Palsy is the most common cause of facial paralysis. About 1 in 60 people will experience Bell’s Palsy at some point in their lifetime. It can occur at any age, but most commonly in those ages 15-60. Those who are most common to get Bell’s Palsy includes pregnant women (especially in the third trimester), those with diabetes, people with upper respiratory illnesses, those with compromised immune systems, and people under high stress. Most people recover fully from Bell’s Palsy, especially when treated early.
About Trigeminal Neuralgia
Trigeminal Neuralgia affects the trigeminal nerve in the face, which controls facial sensation. It is a very painful condition characterized by sudden sharp or electric-shock-like facial pain. This pain is often triggered by chewing, light touch, or brushing teeth and can last up to a few minutes. Like Bell’s Palsy, Trigeminal Neuralgia typically affects one side of the face. This condition may be caused by nerve compression or trauma, or conditions such as multiple sclerosis.
Trigeminal Neuralgia most commonly affects those over the age of 50, is slightly more common in women, and is more common in those with blood vessel abnormalities that compress the trigeminal nerve. This condition is more rare, affecting up to 100,000 people in the US at any given time. While it is more uncommon, it is very intense sensation.
How acupuncture can help
Because acupuncture targets specific points in the body to regulate the nervous system and improve circulation, it is a very effective treatment for relief from both Bell’s Palsy and Trigeminal Neuralgia. Acupuncture helps treat each of these conditions by reducing inflammation and increasing blood flow to the affected area, improving nerve function and enhancing communication between the brain and facial muscles, regulating how the brain processes pain and calms overactive pathways, as well as relieving muscle tension by relaxing affected muscles.
Because acupuncture is so safe with minimal side effects, it can be easily combined with other medications or treatments recommended by primary healthcare providers. Using acupuncture to treat these conditions brings reduced pain intensity, faster recovery time, improved muscle symmetry, reduced muscle tightness, and an overall improved quality of life.
What treatment looks like
At your visit, Dr. Collard will ask you a few questions such as how long you’ve had your symptoms and evaluate your facial movement or pain patterns. Very fine, sterile needles are inserted into various points on the face, scalp, hands, and sometimes arms. The needles then stay in place for 20-30 minutes. If treating for Bell’s Palsy, 2-3 visits per week is ideal near the beginning. Improvement is noticeable after 4-6 visits, and full recovery should be expected in around 8-12 visits. Starting early significantly improves treatment outcomes.
For trigeminal neuralgia, 1-2 visits per week at the beginning should help to reduce pain and prevent flare ups. Depending on the case, about 8-15 treatments is common to see significant improvement. For each condition, consistency is key to seeing results.
In closing
While not everyone will experience these conditions in their lifetime, those who do know how important it is to seek treatment. Dr. Collard is passionate about bringing relief and confidence to those facing these problems and loves helping his patients return to a normal and healthy way of life. Word of mouth is the most powerful resource when it comes to helping those facing these specific problems find out about how we can help. Your referrals mean the world to us and will help those you know and love find healing.
Read more about acupuncture here
Watch Dr. Collard explain acupuncture for Bell’s Palsy and Trigeminal Neuralgia here
Schedule your appointment here
Ready what our customers are saying here
Watch about treating other conditions with acupuncture here and here
