Physiotherapy in patients with facial nerve paresis: description of outcomes.

Abstract

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to describe changes and stabilities of long-term sequelae of facial paresis in outpatients receiving Mime therapy, a form of physiotherapy. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Archived data of 155 patients with peripheral facial nerve paresis were analyzed. Main outcome measures were (1) impairments: facial symmetry in rest and during movements and synkineses; (2) disabilities: eating, drinking, and speaking; and (3) quality of life. RESULTS: Symmetry at rest improved significantly; the average severity of the asymmetry in all movements decreased. The number of synkineses increased for 3 out of 8 movements; however, the group average severities decreased for 6 movements; substantially fewer patients reported disabilities in eating, drinking, and speaking; and quality of life improved significantly. CONCLUSION: During a period of approximately 3 months, significant changes in many aspects of facial functioning were observed, the relative position of patients remaining stable over time. Observed changes occurred while the patients participated in a program for facial rehabilitation (Mime therapy), replicating the randomized controlled trial-proven benefits of Mime therapy in a more varied sample of outpatients.