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Peripheral facial palsy: Speech, communication and oral motor function
T Movérare1, A Lohmander1, M Hultcrantz2
1Karolinska Institutet, Department of Clinical Science, Intervention and Technology, Division of Speech and Language Pathology, 141 86 Stockholm, Sweden; Karolinska University Hospital, Department of Speech and Language Pathology, 141 86 Stockholm, Sweden.
European Annals of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Diseases
|November 13, 2016
Summary
Unilateral peripheral facial palsy significantly impacts speech, eating, and saliva control. However, the severity of facial palsy does not directly correlate with these functional deficits, highlighting the need for targeted patient questioning.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Speech-Language Pathology
- Otolaryngology
Background:
- Acquired unilateral peripheral facial palsy (PFP) can affect various functions beyond facial movement.
- Understanding the impact on speech, communication, and oral functions is crucial for patient management.
- The relationship between PFP severity and functional deficits requires further investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the effects of PFP on speech, communication, and oral functions.
- To investigate the correlation between PFP degree and articulation, saliva control, eating ability, and lip force.
Main Methods:
- A descriptive study included 27 patients with unilateral PFP (Sunnybrook Facial Grading System < 70).
- Assessments included lip force, articulation, intelligibility, communication, eating, and saliva control via questionnaires.
- Data were collected during routine ENT clinic visits.
Main Results:
- Patients with PFP showed significantly reduced lip force, poorer articulation, and impaired eating/saliva control compared to healthy populations.
- A significant correlation was found between PFP degree and lip force.
- No significant correlation was observed between PFP degree and articulation, intelligibility, communication, or eating/saliva control.
Conclusions:
- PFP can negatively impact communication and oral functions like eating and saliva control.
- Physicians should recognize that PFP severity doesn't directly predict the extent of functional deficits.
- Targeted questioning about these functions and referral to speech-language pathologists or physiotherapists are recommended.
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