Facial Palsy - Treatment Options

Abstract

Facial palsy poses a diagnostic and therapeutic challenge to the doctor. Definite treatment modalities, medical, surgical and physical have evolved and can be used either singly or in combination to treat this condition successfully. 25 cases of facial palsy of varied aetiology managed over 2 year period in the Neurotology clinic of Armed Forces Medical College are presented. 10 cases underwent medical management only. 15 cases underwent surgical management, consisting of facial nerve decompression (10), nerve approximation (2), nerve grafting (1) and hypoglossal facial anastamosis [2]. All patients underwent physiotherapy to the paralysed face. Patients with Bell's palsy had 83.5% recovery (5 out of 6 cases), CSOM cases after surgical decompression of facial nerve had a 100% recovery (3 out of 3 cases), iatrogenic facial palsy 80% (8 out of 10 cases) and patients after tumour excision 68% (4 out of 6 cases) recovery. The diagnostic approach, method of evaluation of degree of facial palsy based on clinical, electrodiagnostic tests and the various treatment modalities are discussed.

Observational analysis on role of acupuncture in duration of functional recovery in Bell’s Palsy: A pilot study

“…Despite good safety margin, cost effectiveness and good outcome, convincing evidence for the efficacy of acupuncture in Bell's palsy treatment is lacking because of lack of good study designs, adequate sample sizes and treatment reports. The management of Bell's palsy would include steroid, antivirals, surgical decompressions [7,8]. The duration of recovery of Bell's palsy on average goes on to several weeks to several months (even till year).…”