[Treatment of traumatic injuries of the peripheral facial nerve]

This review summarises the current knowledge of treatment strategies in traumatic extracranial facial nerve injuries. Facial nerve injuries cause significant psychologic and functional morbidity. We present a guideline for the clinical management including physical examination and surgical treatment. To regain mimetic function after facial nerve injuries it is crucial to ensure that microsurgical reconstruction is completed preferably within 24 hours, and no later than 72 hours from the time of accident.