Q I heard after-effects can remain if treatment starts late. What kind of after-effects are there, and can they be prevented?
A If recovery is incomplete, after-effects such as synkinesis and facial contracture can remain. Starting treatment quickly within 72 hours of onset is the key to preventing them.
Detailed Answer
When nerve recovery is incomplete, after-effects such as synkinesis, where other muscles contract together when one area moves, or facial contracture, where the face feels tight, can remain. To prevent these, it is important to begin steroid administration within 72 hours of onset and combine it with Korean medicine treatment to minimize nerve damage. If there is no recovery even after 6 to 8 weeks, or if sudden complete paralysis occurs, surgical options may also be carefully considered.
Korean Medicine Clinic Perspective
At Dongjedang, we believe that during the recovery phase, steadily opening facial circulation and replenishing the depleted qi and blood allows smoother nerve regeneration and reduces after-effects. Circulation treatment that releases the stiffened neck and shoulder muscles to increase the supply of oxygen and nutrients to the face is especially important. Even when after-effects have already appeared, improvement is possible with electroacupuncture and muscle exercises, so please do not give up and come in for care.
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