Reliable method of monitoring antidromic facial nerve response stimulated via Stensen's duct.
OBJECTIVE
This study aimed to obtain a clear antidromic facial nerve response (ADFNR) with a high detection rate in human subjects. The authors also describe the clinical utility of this technique.


BACKGROUND
The ADFNR is a potential that can be used to monitor intratemporal facial nerve function at the early stage of facial palsy. However, it was difficult to obtain an analyzable response with conventional methods.


METHODS
The sensitivity of data recorded by percutaneous stimulation conventionally used was compared with those recorded after stimulation through Stensen's duct, and the type of recording electrode was evaluated. In individual normal subjects, the test-retest and right-left differences were compared.


RESULTS
The ADFNR elicited by stimulation through Stensen's duct and recorded with a monopolar needle electrode was a useful method to monitor facial nerve impulses. With the use of these methods, the ADFNR detection rate was more than 90%. The test-retest difference was minimal and smaller than the right-left side difference.


CONCLUSIONS
The authors recommend that the ADFNR should be used to evaluate changes of unilateral facial nerve function by repeated testing and that the technique described here is useful for monitoring the early changes of facial nerve function in patients with facial palsy.
Nakatani
H
H
Department of Otolaryngology, Kochi Medical School, Nankoku, Japan.
Takeda
T
T
Saito
H
H
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D004558:Electric Stimulation / Q000379:methods; D004566:Electrodes; D005071:Evoked Potentials / Q000502:physiology*; D005154:Facial Nerve / Q000502:physiology*; D005158:Facial Paralysis / Q000175:diagnosis; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010306:Parotid Gland / Q000502:physiology*; D012684:Sensory Thresholds / Q000502:physiology