Acupuncture for left lateral rectus muscle paralysis combined with facial nerve injury after acoustic neuroma surgery: a case report

This article reports a case of a patient who developed left lateral rectus muscle paralysis combined with facial nerve injury after acoustic neuroma surgery, and was treated with acupuncture. Based on the academic theory of "Fang's Acupuncture", the main acupoints selected were Shangming point, Chengqi (ST1), Yangbai (GB14) toward Yuyao (EX-HN4), Sizhukong (TE23) toward Yuyao (EX-HN4), Cuanzhu (BL2) toward Shangjingming, Kouheliao (LI19) toward Quanliao (SI18), Dicang (ST4) toward Jiache (ST6), and Jiachengjiang toward Daying (ST5) on the affected side. The supplementary points included bilateral Fengchi (GB20), Tongziliao (GB1), and Xinming 1, Qianzheng, Quanliao (SI18), and Hegu (LI4) on the affected side. Shangming and Chengqi (ST1) were treated using triple needling technique, combined with point-toward-point needle insertion and electroacupuncture. Each treatment lasted 30 minutes, once every other day. After 4-month treatment, the movement of the left eyeball returned to normal, with abduction reaching the lateral edge. After a further 2-month treatment (once weekly), the left lateral rectus muscle paralysis was cured, although facial nerve injury on the left side remained. The treatment protocol was then adjusted. After another 5-month treatment, the facial nerve injury symptoms of left side were improved. At 6-month follow-up, the patient had slightly shallow left forehead wrinkles, complete eyelid closure without eyeball exposure, and a slightly shallow left nasolabial fold, with overall good condition.