[Botulinum toxin and facial palsy. Our experience].
OBJECTIVE
Therapeutic indication of peripheral facial paralysis depends on the degree of nerve injury. Severe facial palsy (electroneuronographic study less than or equal to 10%) leads to healing with sequelae. The sequelae of facial paralysis are contractures, hemifacial spasm and synkinesis.Our purpose was to demonstrate that these patients could benefit from rehabilitation treatment.


METHODS
We present a study of 48 patients with severe peripheral facial paralysis. They were treated from the beginning of reinnervation with botulinum toxin and facial exercises according to the Wisconsin School.


RESULTS
The subjective efficacy of rehabilitation is high.


CONCLUSIONS
Rehabilitation treatment can inform patients about their chances of recovery, give them control over and quality of facial expression and help to achieve greater facial symmetry. These factors provide better functionality and quality of life.
Navarrete Alvaro
María Luisa
ML
Servicio de Otorrinolaringología, Hospital Universitario Vall d'Hebron, Barcelona, España. mlna@telefonica.net
Junyent
Josefina
J
Torrent
Luisa
L
D020330:Bell Palsy / Q000188:drug therapy*; D019274:Botulinum Toxins, Type A / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009465:Neuromuscular Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*
D009465:Neuromuscular Agents; D019274:Botulinum Toxins, Type A