Diagnostic and Prognostic Value of Temporal recording of facial nerve stimulation and Ultrasonography in unilateral facial palsy

Abstract

Facial nerve paralysis is the most common cranial neuropathy. Its incidence ranges from 20 to 30 cases per 100.000 people. Bell’s palsy accounts for more than half of all cases of idiopathic facial palsy. The prognosis for Bell's palsy is generally good with 85 to 90% of patients recovering completely within one month. The remaining 15% of the cases progress to complete degeneration and will not usually show signs of recovery for three to six months and may develop complications such as residual paresis, contracture and synkinesis. Evaluation of the prognosis of Bell’s palsy is important for patients counseling and guiding further management. Since 1970’s, prognostication has been based mainly on various electrophysiologic tests, such as electromyography (EMG), electroneuronography (ENoG),