[Telemedicine for patients with facial palsy : Current developments and options in otorhinolaryngologic treatment]

Jonas Ballmaier ^1,2,3, Sabrina Hölzer ⁴, Maren Geitner ^1,2,3

⁰Klinik und Poliklinik für Hals‑, Nasen- und Ohrenheilkunde, Institut für Phoniatrie und Pädaudiologie, Universitätsklinikum Jena, Jena, Deutschland.

Hno +

|

March 26, 2024

View abstract on PubMed

Summary

Telemedicine offers innovative solutions for treating facial nerve palsy, addressing challenges like synkinesis and regional healthcare disparities. This digital approach enhances patient care and knowledge transfer in medical treatment.

Area Of Science

Medical Informatics
Neurology
Rehabilitation

Context

The COVID-19 pandemic accelerated digitalization in medicine, necessitating frameworks for digital medical care and knowledge transfer.
Facial nerve palsy presents diverse effects, including facial mobility limitations and psychological sequelae, with synkinesis affecting one-third of patients long-term.
Current treatments for facial nerve palsy involve medication, surgery, and movement training, but regional underuse and chronic conditions pose challenges.

Purpose

To define telemedicine within the current medical context and explore its various applications.
To analyze the specific application scenarios of telemedicine in managing facial nerve palsy.
To evaluate the potential of telemedicine in overcoming treatment barriers for facial nerve palsy patients.

Summary

This article examines the role of telemedicine in treating patients with facial nerve palsy, a condition causing significant functional and psychological issues.
It details how telemedicine can provide innovative solutions, particularly for cases of regional underuse and chronic facial nerve palsy.
The analysis highlights numerous potentially useful telemedicine concepts for facial nerve palsy, despite a current lack of extensive evidence.

Impact

Telemedicine can improve access to care for facial nerve palsy patients, especially in underserved regions.
It offers new avenues for managing chronic conditions and potential long-term sequelae like synkinesis.
The integration of telemedicine supports the broader goal of enhancing digital medical care and knowledge transfer in healthcare.

Keywords:

Bell palsy Digital health technology Distance counseling Videoconferencing eHealth