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Outcome of facial physiotherapy in patients with prolonged idiopathic facial palsy

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  18 March 2015

G J Watson ,
S Glover ,
S Allen  and
R M Irving
G J Watson*
Affiliation:
Department of Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Birmingham, UK
S Glover
Affiliation:
Department of Physiotherapy, Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Birmingham, UK
S Allen
Affiliation:
Department of Physiotherapy, Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Birmingham, UK
R M Irving
Affiliation:
Department of Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Birmingham, UK
*
Address for correspondence: Mr Glen J Watson, Department of Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Birmingham, UK Fax: +44 121 371 4521 E-mail: glen_watson74@yahoo.co.uk
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Abstract

Objective:

This study investigated whether patients who remain symptomatic more than a year following idiopathic facial paralysis gain benefit from tailored facial physiotherapy.

Methods:

A two-year retrospective review was conducted of all symptomatic patients. Data collected included: age, gender, duration of symptoms, Sunnybrook facial grading system scores pre-treatment and at last visit, and duration of treatment.

Results:

The study comprised 22 patients (with a mean age of 50.5 years (range, 22–75 years)) who had been symptomatic for more than a year following idiopathic facial paralysis. The mean duration of symptoms was 45 months (range, 12–240 months). The mean duration of follow up was 10.4 months (range, 2–36 months). Prior to treatment, the mean Sunnybrook facial grading system score was 59 (standard deviation = 3.5); this had increased to 83 (standard deviation = 2.7) at the last visit, with an average improvement in score of 23 (standard deviation = 2.9). This increase was significant (p < 0.001).

Conclusion:

Tailored facial therapy can improve facial grading scores in patients who remain symptomatic for prolonged periods.

Keywords

Bell's PalsyIdiopathic Facial ParalysisPhysiotherapy (Techniques)Treatment Outcome
Type
Main Articles
Information
The Journal of Laryngology & Otology , Volume 129 , Issue 4 , April 2015 , pp. 348 - 352
Copyright
Copyright © JLO (1984) Limited 2015 

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