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[A Bell"s palsy of long standing, and its rehabilitation. An electromyographic documentation. (author's transl)]
Insights
This study shows rhythmic muscle stimulation can restore voluntary control and reflex excitability in patients with long-term Bell's palsy, indicating peripheral nerve regeneration.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Neurophysiology
Background:
- Bell's palsy is a condition affecting facial nerve function.
- Long-term facial nerve dysfunction can result from peripheral nerve damage and regeneration.
- Central programming and reflex pathways may be absent despite peripheral regeneration.
Abstract:
We examined a 31 year-old female patient who, since her first year of life and following a parotis operation, had suffered from left-sided Bell's palsy. The electromyographical examinations disclosed a complete loss of voluntary muscle control and of the trigemino-facial reflexes, although the direct responses of the facial nerve could be demonstrated with delayed latences. The findings indicated peripheral regeneration of the facial nerve with absence of central programming and reflex pathways. By means of rhythmic muscle stimulation, voluntary control and reflex excitability was re-established, to a limited extent, on the formerly inactive side within a short space of time.