NEUROREHABILITATION IN PATIENTS WITH PERIPHERAL FACIAL NERVE PARESIS

Abstract

The disease of n.facialis is in the first place among peripheral neuritis, in terms of frequency and importance of functional disorders. Paresis of the n.facialis usually occurs on one side of the face and affects movements of the forehead, eye, nose and mouth. During the infection, in the channel through which the nerve passes (canalis n.facialis), edema occurs, which leads to pressure on the nerve fibers and blood vessels that supply the nerve with innervation and circulation. The damages of n. facialis, are manifested by immobility on one side of the face. Methods for functional testing of patients with facial neuritis include: Manual Muscle Testing (MMT) for examination of mimic muscles.
The aim of the research is: To determine the effectiveness of neurorehabilitation of patients with peripheral facial nerve paresis. Research methods: The research was conducted in Clinical Hospital - Tetovo, at the Department of Physical Therapy and Neurorehabilitation, over a period of 6 months, from the middle of June until the middle of November 2023. The aim of the treatment is to prevent the appearance of muscle atrophy and synkinesis of the facial muscles. Results: Randomized Controlled Trials (RCTs) that include exercises with active movements already in the acute stages show better recovery, especially in severe cases, without increasing - or even decreasing – synkinesis (Wen C, Zhang B. 2004), (Nicastri M, Mancini P, et al.2013). Regarding the electrical neurostimulation of the facial nerve, recent evidence from controlled literature show a positive effect with respect to synkinesis (Fargher KA, Coulson SE 2017). (Tuncay F, et al.) Conclusion: According to (Carraro 2018), the misconception that stimulation of the affected nerve hinders reinnervation (restoration of nerve function) has been disproved in recent studies. Initial studies even show that low-frequency electrical stimulation promotes innervation (Gordon et al. 2018).