[Electrodiagnosis of peripheral facial paralysis. Significance of stimulation tests--detection]

Electroneurography at present constitutes an indispensable method for the investigation of peripheral facial paralysis. It should be carried out at an early stage, in the form of three successive examinations at 3 day intervals. If decompression is necessary, it should theoretically be carried out during the first 15 days, before destruction of nerves, which is a feature of sequelae, can take place. Electroneuronography appears to be, for this purpose, on a par with histology. The authors urge that patients suffering from from facial paralysis should be referred to O.-R.-L. departments right from the start and not when all other methods of treatment have been tried, often with reprehensible empiricism, and found unsuccessful.