Only few studies investigated therapeutic potentials of functional electrical stimulation
(ES) in patients with chronic facial palsy. Quality of life was investigated by using
facial clinimetric evaluation (FaCE) and Facial Disability Index (FDI) during ES.
Facial function was assessed by Sunnybrook Facial Grading Scale (SFGS). SFGS can show
symmetry in rest, symmetrie during movement and synkinesis. Only patients with one-sided
peripheral complete facial paralysis confirmed by needle-electromyography (EMG) were
included and underwent ES twice a day for 20 min until the event of reinnervation
or for a maximum of 1 year. ES-parameters were set during the first visit and confirmed/adapted
every month thereafter. At each visit, patients underwent EMG, FaCE, FDI and SGFS.
Muscle volume changes during ES were measured by sonography of facial muscles. In
total 15 patients were recruited (mean 53 years, min. 25, max. 78; 8 female, 7 male,
median time of denervation 123 d). Following the ES protocol, they underwent ES for
a mean of 201 d (min. 56, max. 377) without serious adverse events. We could detect
positive effects of ES on life quality (FaCE, FDI) and facial function (SFGS) in patients
with complete facial palsy. ES increased significant FDI body score from beginning
of ES to 7th visit by 3,1 points (p=0,041). A positive effect of ES on facial symmetry
in patients with total paralysis could be shown by increasing significant SFGS total
score by 12,8 points from beginning to 7th visit (p=0,044). The improvement of life
quality and facial function during ES represents a promising, easily accessible marker
for patients with complete facial palsy. Sponsored by DFG GU-463/12-1 and IZKF
Sponsored by DFG GU-463/12-1 and IZKF
