Facial Rehabilitation as Noninvasive Treatment for Chronic Facial Nerve Paralysis.

doi:10.1097/MAO.0000000000002107

Paper

Facial Rehabilitation as Noninvasive Treatment for Chronic Facial Nerve Paralysis.

Published Feb 1, 2019 · E. Karp, Emily A Waselchuk, C. Landis

Otology & Neurotology

Q1 SJR score

16

Citations

2

Influential Citations

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Semantic Scholar

Abstract

OBJECTIVES This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of facial rehabilitation (FR) in patients with chronic facial nerve paralysis (FNP) and describe factors that predict improved facial nerve function after FR in this patient population. STUDY DESIGN Retrospective case review. SETTING Tertiary referral center. PATIENTS Around 241 patients were referred to a university hospital facial rehabilitation (FR) program for FNP between 1995 and 2016. Seventy-six patients met criteria, defined as diagnosis of FNP ≥12 months prior to initiation of FR. INTERVENTIONS Each received at least two sessions of directed FR by a single therapist. Techniques employed: neuromuscular retraining, stretching/massage, and active exercise. MAIN OUTCOMES Variables affecting outcomes were analyzed to determine association with success of FR as measured by improvement in Facial Grading System (FGS) scale. RESULTS Onset of FNP to initiation of FR ranged 12 to 384 months (mean latency = 64.7 months). All patients, age 20 to 89, showed improvement in FGS after FR (mean, 16.54 points, SD 9.35). Positive predictors of FGS improvement after therapy (p-values < 0.05): increased the number of therapy sessions, right side of face being treated for FNP, lower starting FGS score. When controlling for these important variables, time from diagnosis to initiation of therapy was not significantly associated with improvement in FGS score. CONCLUSION Facial rehabilitation was associated with improved FGS score regardless of patient age, gender, or latency to facial rehabilitation. As a noninvasive treatment option with positive outcomes, it should be offered to patients with facial nerve paralysis regardless of chronicity.

Observational Study

Rigorous Journal

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Key takeawayFacial rehabilitation effectively improves facial nerve function in patients with chronic facial nerve paralysis, regardless of age, gender, or time since diagnosis.

PopulationOlder adults (50-71 years)

Sample size24

MethodsObservational

OutcomesBody Mass Index projections

ResultsSocial networks mitigate obesity in older groups.

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Citations

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