Background Central facial palsy (CFP) is a common condition following stroke, typically affecting
the lower face and causing symptoms such as drooling, dysarthria, and facial asymmetry.
Despite available rehabilitation methods, the evidence supporting their effectiveness
is limited. Electromyography (EMG)-triggered Functional Electrical Stimulation (FES)
has shown promise in neurorehabilitation for motor impairments, but its application
to CFP remains unclear.
Methods This case report explores the use of EMG-triggered FES in a 77-year-old patient with
CFP following a severe ischemic stroke of the middle cerebral artery (MCA). Therapy,
focused on stimulating the orbicularis oris muscle to address persistent drooling
and improve facial symmetry, was alongside usual care. The stimulation duration was
5–15 min, frequency 35 Hz, and pulse duration 300 µs, applied 5 times a week. Stimulation
duration was adjusted based on the patient’s progress.
Results The patient underwent 16 sessions of EMG-triggered FES over four weeks. Post-therapy
reassessment with the Sunnybrook Facial Grading System (SFGS) showed an improvement
in facial motor function, with the score increasing from 58/100 to 78/100. Reassessment
of the Facial Disability Index (FDI) revealed significant improvement in physical
function (55 to 85 points), though the social function score slightly decreased (76
to 64 points). Improvements in dysarthria and the complete resolution of drooling
were reflected in the physical function domain of the FDI and the Allensbach Dysarthria
Severity Scale.
Conclusions The results highlight that EMG-triggered FES was well tolerated and effectively supported
therapy, contributing to the resolution of drooling, improved facial symmetry, and
enhanced speech function. Future research should focus on randomized controlled trials
to confirm its effectiveness and determine optimal therapy parameters.
