Clinical use of thread embedding acupuncture for facial nerve palsy: A web-based survey

Although thread embedding acupuncture (TEA) is widely used for facial nerve palsy (FNP) in Korea, it lacks clinical evidence. Therefore, a large-scale and long-term clinical trial is needed. It is necessary to standardize and optimize TEA treatment for clinical study. Hence, we collected information about how TEA in the facial region is performed in clinical practice using a web-based survey. A questionnaire was developed consisting of 22 essential items and 30 optional items including demographic characteristics, purpose of TEA, adverse events (AE), direct medical cost, required time, and current state of TEA treatment on FNP. The questionnaire was sent via e-mail to 23,910 traditional Korean medicine doctors (TKMD). A total of 427 respondents answered the questionnaire. The most common response for the purpose for TEA was cosmetic, followed by musculoskeletal disease and nervous system disease. The most common AE that resolved without medical treatment was bruising (90.4%). The most common AE that required medical treatment was dimple (30.5). Many respondents commonly used TEA for the sequelae of FNP (71.8%). The most frequent sequelae of FNP for which TEA was used as contracture around the mouth (75.3%). The most preferred treatment method was insertion of 6-10 monofilament threads using a 29-gauge needle at intervals of 2.2 ± 1.59 weeks in the sequelae period. The results of this survey can be used to standardize and optimize the procedure of TEA for FNP for further clinical research.