Grading facial nerve function: why a new grading system, the MoReSS, should be proposed.
OBJECTIVE
To compare the interobserver variability of a new grading system to the currently recommended House-Brackmann Grading Scale.


METHODS
Prospective case-control study.


METHODS
Tertiary referral center.


METHODS
All patients with a facial nerve paresis/paralysis (whatever the cause).


METHODS
All patients were evaluated for their facial nerve function by three observers, independently, using both the new system and the House-Brackmann Grading Scale.


METHODS
The level of agreement between the three observers using both scales.


RESULTS
With the movement, rest, secondary defects, and subjective scoring grading scale, a higher percentage of agreement between the observers was noticed than with the House-Brackmann Grading Scale.


CONCLUSIONS
The movement, rest, secondary defects, and subjective scoring grading system is more useful for grading facial nerve dysfunction in clinical practice than the House-Brackmann Grading Scale.
de Ru
J Alexander
JA
Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, University Medical Center, Utrecht, The Netherlands. j.a.deru@kmb.azu.nl
Braunius
Weibel W
WW
van Benthem
Peter Paul G
PP
Busschers
Wim B
WB
Hordijk
Gerrit Jan
GJ
D016022:Case-Control Studies; D005152:Facial Muscles / Q000294:innervation / Q000502:physiology; D005154:Facial Nerve / Q000502:physiology*; D005158:Facial Paralysis / Q000145:classification* / Q000503:physiopathology*; D006801:Humans; D009460:Neurologic Examination / Q000379:methods / Q000592:standards; D015588:Observer Variation; D011446:Prospective Studies