[Image analysis system for detection facial paralysis].
BACKGROUND
Evaluation of facial nerve paresis depends on visual assessment and naturally differs from examiner to examiner. An objective measurement instrument is presented.


METHODS
Facial features are automatically localized by a parametric face model in videos of a face during relaxation and exercises. Gray-level information is analyzed by a special steerable filter and used to identify symmetries. The computer system was tested in 19 individuals.


RESULTS
Automatic localization of facial features such as the upper arc of the head and ears was correct in 95%, the eyes in 82%, and the mouth in 73%. Lid paresis was correctly recognized in seven of ten (70%) and oral paresis in 10 of 12 (83%) cases. Unaffected eyelid movements were identified in eight of nine (89%) and healthy oral regions in all seven (100%) cases.


CONCLUSIONS
The computer system presented is able to automatically localize facial features and to identify facial nerve paresis. It is a considerable step toward automatic and objective grading of facial nerve paresis.
Suchy
B H
BH
Klinik und Poliklinik für Hals-, Nasen- und Ohrenkranke, F.-A.-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, Waldstrasse 1, 91054 Erlangen. bernhard.suchy@rzmail.uni-erlangen.de
Wolf
S R
SR
Gebhard
A
A
Paulus
D
D
D003936:Diagnosis, Computer-Assisted / Q000295:instrumentation; D005149:Facial Expression; D005158:Facial Paralysis / Q000175:diagnosis*; D006801:Humans; D007091:Image Processing, Computer-Assisted / Q000295:instrumentation*; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity; D012984:Software; D014741:Video Recording / Q000295:instrumentation*