Acupoint-Propagated Sensation During Laser Acupuncture in Bell's Palsy

This study aims to report a distinct phenomenon of propagated meridian sensation elicited by non-invasive laser acupuncture in two patients with chronic Bell's palsy and to describe the associated clinical outcomes. Two patients with Bell's palsy were recruited from the outpatient department of Otorhinolaryngology at Beijing Tongren Hospital. Both patients received laser acupuncture three times per week using a Class IV laser device. Based on traditional acupuncture theory and clinical experience, a systematic approach was used to identify potential acupoints and laser parameters. Outcome measures included the House-Brackmann Facial Nerve Grading System, the Sunnybrook Facial Grading System, electromyography, electroneurography, and the blink reflex. Both patients showed clinical improvement following laser acupuncture treatment. This case report documents patient-reported sensations propagating along meridian pathways during laser acupuncture treatment for facial paralysis. Further studies are needed to investigate the relationship between these sensations and clinical outcomes and to elucidate the underlying mechanisms.