Paula Martinkaitytė, Radvilė Griškevičiūtė, Monika Vieversytė, Lina Varžaitytė, Raimondas Savickas
Abstract
People suffering from facial nerve damage usually complain about the flaccid paralysis of the face, inability to close the eye, smile on affected side, disapearance of nasolabial wrinkle, drooping of the corner of the mouth. This has a negative impact not only on physical, but also on psychosocial well-being. Therefore, it is very important to ensure proper, effective treatment and restore functions that have been lost. Much has been written about various rehabilitation techniques, strategies and their effectiveness, demonstrating importance of facial nerve rehabilitation, but still there is no final agreement. Functional exercises in combination with massage are being used the most. Though other methods such as botulinum toxin injections, taping, electrostimulation, acupuncture prove to be beneficiale effect in facial nerve regeneration. A positive therapeutic effect after rehabilitation is visible not at once – it can take from few weeks to several years. However, the results improve well-being and quality of life. This article discusses the latest, most effective, researchbased rehabilitation therapies, their effectiveness, for facial nerve neuropathy, and the associated consequences.
Keyword(s): rehabilitation; facial nerve neuropathy; physical therapy; electrostimulation; massage; taping; botulinum toxin; acupuncture.
DOI: 10.5200/sm-hs.2015.126
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