[Botulinum toxin and facial palsy. Our experience]

Area of Science:

• Neurology
• Physical Therapy

Context:

• Peripheral facial paralysis, particularly severe cases (electroneuronographic study ≤10%), often results in long-term sequelae like contractures, hemifacial spasm, and synkinesis.
• Effective therapeutic indication hinges on the severity of nerve injury.

Purpose:

• To demonstrate the benefits of a structured rehabilitation treatment for patients suffering from severe peripheral facial paralysis.
• To evaluate the efficacy of combining botulinum toxin with specific facial exercises in managing facial palsy sequelae.

Summary:

• A study involved 48 patients with severe peripheral facial paralysis undergoing rehabilitation.
• Treatment commenced at the start of reinnervation and included botulinum toxin injections alongside facial exercises based on the Wisconsin School methodology.
• Subjective patient-reported efficacy of this rehabilitation approach was notably high.

Impact:

• Rehabilitation empowers patients with knowledge about recovery prospects, fostering control over facial expression.
• Improved facial symmetry and functional recovery contribute to an enhanced quality of life for individuals with facial paralysis.
• This multidisciplinary approach offers a promising strategy for managing the sequelae of severe facial nerve injury.