Recent progress in facial paralysis: advances and obstacles.
OBJECTIVE
Facial paralysis is a devastating and debilitating condition for which a range of management options exists; all of them continue to have limitations. We review the recent scientific literature and highlight key developments and opportunities for further exploration with the goal that this may help direct clinical practice and research endeavor.


RESULTS
We reviewed recent findings in the evaluation of facial paralysis, pharmacological management, nerve injury prevention and treatment. This includes review of novel techniques using photography and videography. Review of surgical and adjunctive techniques identifies several refinements of existing techniques, some novel techniques, and the value of adjunctive materials and therapies.


CONCLUSIONS
Management of facial paralysis remains an area of active investigation and innovation. The challenge to researchers and care providers will be to continue to explore and refine management strategies while maintaining rigorous and standardized means of evaluation and follow-up, such that outcomes may be determined and reported accurately and in a way that they can be transferred to other clinical practices. Further study of the role of growth factors and stem cells in facial nerve regeneration is critical, and is the most likely means of surmounting the remaining barriers to successful outcomes in alleviating the ravages of this devastating malady.
Sardesai
Maya G
MG
Division of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Department of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, Washington, USA.
Moe
Kriss
K
D000818:Animals; D001905:Botulinum Toxins / Q000627:therapeutic use; D004576:Electromyography; D005149:Facial Expression; D005152:Facial Muscles / Q000601:surgery; D005154:Facial Nerve / Q000473:pathology / Q000502:physiology; D020220:Facial Nerve Injuries; D005158:Facial Paralysis / Q000266:history / Q000628:therapy*; D005938:Glucocorticoids / Q000266:history / Q000627:therapeutic use; D049690:History, Ancient; D006801:Humans; D015601:Injury Severity Score; D007431:Intraoperative Complications / Q000517:prevention & control; D016343:Monitoring, Intraoperative; D009414:Nerve Growth Factors / Q000627:therapeutic use; D016067:Nerve Transfer; D009465:Neuromuscular Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D019001:Nitric Oxide Synthase / Q000037:antagonists & inhibitors; D010525:Peripheral Nerves / Q000637:transplantation; D010780:Photogrammetry; D026741:Physical Therapy Modalities; D012018:Reflex; D012038:Regeneration; D033581:Stem Cell Transplantation
D005938:Glucocorticoids; D009414:Nerve Growth Factors; D009465:Neuromuscular Agents; D019001:Nitric Oxide Synthase; D001905:Botulinum Toxins