Electroacupuncture for oxaliplatin-induced facial numbness: A CARE-compliant case report.

Chemotherapy drugs can sometimes cause unexpected side effects, including numbness in the face. This case report describes a 73-year-old rectal cancer patient who developed severe facial numbness on both sides of the face after receiving oxaliplatin chemotherapy. The numbness affected the areas around the eyes, nose, and mouth, causing significant discomfort.

The patient received electroacupuncture (EA) treatment, which uses mild electrical stimulation applied through acupuncture needles. After just three treatment sessions, the patient's facial numbness improved significantly. Following three additional sessions, the numbness completely disappeared.

This case is particularly important because facial numbness caused by chemotherapy is extremely rare, and there are limited treatment options available. The results suggest that electroacupuncture may offer an effective solution for patients experiencing this challenging side effect.

While this report describes only one patient's experience, it provides encouraging evidence that electroacupuncture could help manage chemotherapy-induced facial numbness. This is especially relevant since such numbness can significantly impact quality of life during cancer treatment, affecting eating, speaking, and general comfort.

For cancer patients undergoing oxaliplatin-based chemotherapy who develop facial numbness, electroacupuncture might be worth considering as a complementary treatment option. The relatively quick response—noticeable improvement within three sessions—is particularly encouraging for patients seeking relief from this uncomfortable side effect. If you're considering acupuncture for chemotherapy side effects, consult with a licensed acupuncturist experienced in oncology support care.

This CARE-compliant case report documents successful electroacupuncture (EA) management of oxaliplatin-induced facial numbness in a 73-year-old rectal cancer patient. The patient presented with severe bilateral facial numbness affecting periorbital, perinasal, and perioral regions following oxaliplatin-based chemotherapy—a rare manifestation of chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy.

The treatment protocol consisted of EA therapy administered over two courses of three sessions each. Clinical outcomes demonstrated significant symptom reduction after the initial three-session course, with complete resolution following the second course (total: 6 sessions).

This case represents a notable clinical presentation, as facial numbness secondary to chemotherapy is exceedingly rare. The rapid therapeutic response to EA suggests potential efficacy for this specific neuropathic presentation. While sample size limitations (n=1) preclude generalization, the findings warrant consideration of EA as an adjunctive intervention for chemotherapy-induced cranial neuropathies. Practitioners treating oncology patients should consider EA for peripheral neuropathy management, particularly when conventional approaches prove insufficient.