Facial Nerve Neuropathy Caused by its Stretching

Abstract

Purpose. Study the dynamics of changes in electrophysiological parameters of the facial nerve in cases after operative interventions on the parotid and submandibular glands, as well as determine the possibility of using electrical stimulation of the nerve on the hardware-software complex “DIN-1” for the treatment of neuropathy caused by its stretching. Patients and Methods. 31 patients were examined after surgery on the parotid and submandibular glands. Results. Based on the performed patient examinations after parotidectomy and extirpation of the submandibular glands, it was established that in the postoperative period they may have neuropathy of the facial nerve, the cause of which is the stretching of the nerve. Clinical improvement and elimination of symptoms were correlated with normalization of electrophysiological indices of the state of affected branches of the facial nerve. Conclusions. Due to the use of the hardware-software complex “DIN-1” for diagnosis and treatment of the facial nerve neuropathy caused by its stretching, we managed not only to identify and prove the existence of this disease, but also to shorten the terms of rehabilitation of patients 4 times.