title: Which electrophysiological measure is appropriate in predicting prognosis of facial paralysis?
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  The prognostic value of electrophysiology and its significance in the prediction facial function outcome in facial palsy patients remains unclear because of the different methodologies used in previous studies. We aimed to establish the prognostic value of electrophysiological testing in a group of patients with facial palsy.
  
  
  METHODS
  We prospectively analyzed facial nerve electrophysiology results and compared them with the House-Brackmann scale in 65 patients. The treatment consisted of a standard corticosteroid plus antiviral regimen. Clinical evaluation comprised the House-Brackmann grading system and electrophysiological tests (nerve excitability, nerve conduction study (NCS), needle electromyography (EMG), and blink reflex) conducted on the 5th, 20th, and 90th days after paralysis onset.
  
  
  RESULTS
  In predicting the prognosis, the nerve excitability test in the acute phase, NCS in the subacute phase, blink reflex in the acute and subacute phases and needle EMG in the subacute phase provided statistically significant results.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Prognosis can be determined, and excessive tests can be eliminated with proper timing and electrophysiological testing.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  In determining the prognosis of facial paralysis, the nerve excitability test should be used in the acute phase, and NCS and needle EMG should be used in the subacute phase. Blink reflex studies are helpful in both the acute and subacute phases.
authors.affiliation: Gulhane Medical Academy, Department of Neurology, 06018 Etlik, Ankara, Turkey.
authors.forename: Arslan
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Ozgur
authors.forename: Bek
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Semai
authors.forename: Ulas Umit
authors.initials: UU
authors.lastname: Hidir
authors.forename: Ozdag
authors.initials: O
authors.lastname: Mehmet Fatih
authors.forename: Kasikci
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Tayfun
authors.forename: Odabasi
authors.initials: O
authors.lastname: Zeki
mesh_terms: D000212:Acyclovir / Q000031:analogs & derivatives / Q000627:therapeutic use; D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000893:Anti-Inflammatory Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D000998:Antiviral Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D001767:Blinking / Q000502:physiology; D004568:Electrodiagnosis; D004576:Electromyography; D055724:Electrophysiological Phenomena; D005158:Facial Paralysis / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000503:physiopathology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009431:Neural Conduction / Q000502:physiology; D009460:Neurologic Examination; D011237:Predictive Value of Tests; D011239:Prednisolone / Q000627:therapeutic use; D011379:Prognosis; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D000077483:Valacyclovir; D014633:Valine / Q000031:analogs & derivatives / Q000627:therapeutic use; D055815:Young Adult
chemical_list: D000893:Anti-Inflammatory Agents; D000998:Antiviral Agents; D011239:Prednisolone; D014633:Valine; D000077483:Valacyclovir; D000212:Acyclovir