Related Experiment Video
Updated: Sep 9, 2025
19:53
Single-stage Dynamic Reanimation of the Smile in Irreversible Facial Paralysis by Free Functional Muscle Transfer
Published on: March 1, 2015
106.0K
International, Multispecialty Expert Consensus on Nomenclature for Facial Paralysis.
Samuel L Oyer1, Rachel Baptista2, Kofi Boahene3
1Facial Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery, Department of Otolaryngology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia, USA.
Facial Plastic Surgery & Aesthetic Medicine
|August 28, 2025
Summary
Facial nerve experts reached consensus on standardized terminology for facial synkinesis and its treatments. "Facial synkinesis" is the recommended term, with "chemodenervation" for medical and specific terms for surgical interventions.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Facial Nerve Research
- Medical Terminology
Background:
- Inconsistent terminology exists in medical literature for facial synkinesis and hypertonicity post-facial paralysis.
- Lack of standardized nomenclature complicates research and clinical communication regarding facial nerve conditions and treatments.
Purpose of the Study:
- To establish a consensus on nomenclature for facial synkinesis and its associated medical and surgical treatments.
- To standardize terminology among a multidisciplinary group of international facial nerve experts.
Main Methods:
- A modified Delphi methodology was employed, involving online surveys and virtual discussions.
- An international, multidisciplinary panel of 25 facial nerve experts participated in three consensus rounds.
- Consensus was defined as a priori agreement by at least 80% of the expert group.
Main Results:
- Consensus was reached on the term "facial synkinesis" for the condition, with 84% agreement.
- "Chemodenervation" was unanimously agreed upon for medical treatments (100% agreement).
- Specific terms for surgical treatments (selective facial neurectomy, neurotomy, myectomy, myotomy) achieved 100% agreement.
Conclusions:
- A standardized nomenclature for facial synkinesis and its treatments has been recommended by international experts.
- While "facial synkinesis" is the preferred term, its limitations in encompassing the full clinical spectrum (hypertonicity, weakness, twitching) were noted.
Related Concept Videos
01:24Prosopagnosia
251
Prosopagnosia, also known as face blindness, is the inability to recognize faces. In severe cases, individuals with prosopagnosia may not recognize close family members, including parents and spouses, by their faces. For instance, someone with prosopagnosia might walk past their child in a crowd, only realizing their mistake upon noticing their child's distinctive backpack or favorite jacket. Prosopagnosia specifically impairs facial recognition, while the recognition of other objects or...
251
01:14Cranial Nerves: Types Part I
3.1K
Cranial nerves are responsible for transmitting motor and sensory information between the brain and various parts of the body. There are twelve pairs of cranial nerves, with the first six being essential in sensory perception, motor control, and autonomic functions related to the head and neck.
Olfactory Nerve (Cranial Nerve I)
The olfactory nerve, or cranial nerve I, is unique as it is purely sensory and dedicated to the sense of smell. This nerve originates in the olfactory epithelium of the...
Olfactory Nerve (Cranial Nerve I)
The olfactory nerve, or cranial nerve I, is unique as it is purely sensory and dedicated to the sense of smell. This nerve originates in the olfactory epithelium of the...
3.1K
01:22Cranial Nerves: Types Part II
2.9K
Cranial nerves are responsible for transmitting motor and sensory information between the brain and various parts of the body. There are twelve pairs of cranial nerves. While the first six innervate the head and neck, the latter six nerves innervate the head and neck, as well as organs and tissues in the thoracic and abdominal cavities. They facilitate communication, expression, and autonomic control within the human body.
Facial Nerve (Cranial Nerve VII)
Cranial nerve VII, or the facial nerve,...
Facial Nerve (Cranial Nerve VII)
Cranial nerve VII, or the facial nerve,...
2.9K
01:19Cranial Nerves: Overview and Anatomy
2.4K
The cranial nerves are an important part of the complex network of nerves in the human body. These nerves emerge directly from the brain and are responsible for transmitting essential information between the brain and various parts of the head and neck. There are 12 pairs of cranial nerves, systematically numbered using Roman numerals from I to XII, beginning from the anterior and moving to the posterior of the brain. Each cranial nerve is uniquely identified by names that reflect its function...
2.4K
01:14Muscles for Facial Expressions
2.7K
The craniofacial muscles are a collection of approximately 20 thin skeletal muscles situated beneath the skin of the face and scalp. These muscles, primarily responsible for the vast array of human facial expressions, originate from the bones or fibrous structures of the skull and extend outwards to connect with the skin. While most skeletal muscles in the body are enveloped in thick fascia, facial muscles generally have a more delicate fascial covering, with the buccinator muscle being a...
2.7K
01:19Naming Skeletal Muscles
2.7K
The naming of the approximately 700 muscles in the human body is based on a set of criteria designed to provide descriptive information about each muscle, making it easier to identify and remember them.
The key factors used in naming muscles include:
The key factors used in naming muscles include:
2.7K