Altered synaptic organization in facial nucleus following facial nerve regeneration: an electrophysiological study in man.
Seven patients with postfacial palsy contracture and mass contractions were investigated electrophysiologically. In 3 patients the early blink reflex showed an unusually high amplitude, which can be attributed to enhanced excitability of facial motor neurons. In 5 patients the early blink reflex had acquired a crossed character. It is assumed that changes in organization of the facial nucleus contribute to the altered function of reinnervated facial muscles.
D000200:Action Potentials; D000328:Adult; D003286:Contracture / Q000209:etiology*; D004056:Differential Threshold; D005143:Eyelids / Q000503:physiopathology; D005152:Facial Muscles / Q000294:innervation / Q000503:physiopathology*; D005154:Facial Nerve / Q000503:physiopathology*; D005158:Facial Paralysis / Q000150:complications*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009416:Nerve Regeneration; D012018:Reflex; D013577:Syndrome