Facial sensibility in patients with unilateral facial nerve paresis

This study evaluated facial sensibility in 29 patients with unilateral lower motoneuron facial nerve paresis using standard clinical tests of sensory evaluation used at other anatomic sites, most commonly the hand. Vibratory and cutaneous pressure thresholds and moving and static two-point discrimination were measured. Statistically significant differences were found between the affected and unaffected sides of the face, with vibration threshold, cutaneous pressure threshold, and static two-point discrimination being greater on the affected side. Vibration thresholds and two-point discrimination (moving and static) progressively decreased, moving down the face from the forehead to the cheek, chin, and then the lip. Sensibility thresholds are altered in patients with unilateral lower motor neuron facial nerve paresis. These findings document a relationship between sensory disturbance and lower motoneuron facial nerve paresis. The potential functional significance of this relationship has clinical significance for patients undergoing rehabilitation training.