Facial Rehabilitation as Noninvasive Treatment for Chronic Facial Nerve Paralysis.

Objectives: This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of facial rehabilitation (FR) in patients with chronic facial nerve paralysis (FNP) and describe factors that predict improved facial nerve function after FR in this patient population.

Study Design: Retrospective case review.

Setting: Tertiary referral center.

Patients: Around 241 patients were referred to a university hospital facial rehabilitation (FR) program for FNP between 1995 and 2016. Seventy-six patients met criteria, defined as diagnosis of FNP ≥12 months prior to initiation of FR.

Interventions: Each received at least two sessions of directed FR by a single therapist. Techniques employed: neuromuscular retraining, stretching/massage, and active exercise.

Main Outcomes: Variables affecting outcomes were analyzed to determine association with success of FR as measured by improvement in Facial Grading System (FGS) scale.

Results: Onset of FNP to initiation of FR ranged 12 to 384 months (mean latency = 64.7 months). All patients, age 20 to 89, showed improvement in FGS after FR (mean, 16.54 points, SD 9.35). Positive predictors of FGS improvement after therapy (p-values < 0.05): increased the number of therapy sessions, right side of face being treated for FNP, lower starting FGS score. When controlling for these important variables, time from diagnosis to initiation of therapy was not significantly associated with improvement in FGS score.

Conclusion: Facial rehabilitation was associated with improved FGS score regardless of patient age, gender, or latency to facial rehabilitation. As a noninvasive treatment option with positive outcomes, it should be offered to patients with facial nerve paralysis regardless of chronicity.