Facial Paralysis Treatment Timing

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Questions and Answers

What is the crucial period after which facial paralysis becomes irreversible?

  • 18 to 24 months (correct)
  • 6 to 12 months
  • 12 to 18 months
  • 24 to 30 months

In cases of paralysis due to skull base surgery, what has been the previously standard observation period before considering surgical intervention?

  • 3 months
  • 1 year (correct)
  • 6 months
  • 2 years

What did the 2016 report by Albathi et al. establish regarding facial nerve recovery?

  • Delayed surgery leads to better recovery rates.
  • Lack of recovery by 6 months indicates ultimate paralysis with high specificity and sensitivity. (correct)
  • All patients will recover fully by 6 months.
  • Recovery rates are not predictive of final outcomes.

What is the average House-Brackmann (HB) Grade for patients undergoing surgery compared to those not treated with surgery after 18 months?

<p>Grade III (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT mentioned as a method to protect the eyes during the observation period?

<p>Wearing sunglasses outdoors (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What kind of therapy is suggested to facilitate neuromuscular training for patients with facial paralysis?

<p>Physical therapy that suppresses undesired movements (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which technique is used in biofeedback therapy to help recover facial muscle functions?

<p>Mirror or video usage (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What has been theorized to speed recovery in facial paralysis treatments?

<p>Soft tissue massage and surface EMG (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does the average response for untreated patients look like at 18 months according to the study?

<p>Minimal improvement with Grade V (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is emphasized as critical for patients during the period of observation?

<p>Eye protection due to incomplete closure (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Facial nerve damage irreversibility period

The time it takes for facial nerve damage to become irreversible and unlikely to recover on its own.

House-Brackmann (HB) Grading System

A standardized system used to assess the severity of facial paralysis, ranging from Grade I (minimal weakness) to Grade VI (complete paralysis).

Biofeedback in facial paralysis therapy

The process of using visual feedback (mirror or video) to help patients learn to control facial movements during therapy.

Surface EMG in facial paralysis

A therapy technique involving stimulating recovering facial muscles using electrical signals to improve nerve function and recovery.

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Incomplete eye closure in facial paralysis

A condition where the eye cannot close completely, potentially leading to corneal dryness and damage.

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Methylcellulose drops and mineral oil-based ointment

Substances used to lubricate the eyes and prevent dryness, often employed in patients with incomplete eye closure.

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Moisture chamber for facial paralysis

A protective device worn over the eye to prevent exposure to the environment, often used in facial paralysis with incomplete eye closure.

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Neuromuscular training in facial paralysis

A therapeutic approach focused on retraining muscles and improving voluntary facial movement control.

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Observation period for facial paralysis

The period of observation and monitoring of facial paralysis before deciding on surgical intervention.

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Spontaneous recovery of facial nerve

In facial paralysis, the likelihood that the nerve will recover spontaneously without surgical intervention.

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Study Notes

Facial Paralysis Treatment Timing

  • Successful facial nerve reanimation hinges on short denervation durations. Paralysis becomes irreversible 18-24 months post-injury.
  • Spontaneous recovery is possible in some, but observation alone isn't always the best approach.
  • For skull-base surgery-related facial nerve damage where the nerve is believed to be intact, a one-year observation period was previously standard treatment.
  • Recent research shows facial nerve recovery rate is a strong predictor of final outcomes.
  • Absence of recovery by six months predicts ultimate paralysis with 97% accuracy.
  • Patients not surgically treated show minimal improvement by 18 months with an average House-Brackmann grade V outcome as opposed to grade III in surgically treated patients.

Monitoring and Management During Observation

  • Regular patient follow-ups are essential during observation periods.
  • Standardized facial photography and videography are crucial for monitoring progress.
  • Eye protection is paramount, as incomplete eye closure is common.
  • Corneal dryness prevention is critical and includes moisturizing drops and ointments. Moisture chambers, inserts, or contact lenses can be used.
  • Physical therapy for neuromuscular training is important. It involves conscious suppression of abnormal movements to trigger facial muscle activation.
  • Biofeedback (mirrors or videos) can be incorporated into therapy.
  • Soft tissue massage and surface EMG are considered potential methods to accelerate recovery (supported by animal study).

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