Re-animation and rehabilitation of the paralyzed face in head and neck cancer patients.
Facial nerve paralysis can occasionally result from the treatment of head and neck cancer. The treatment of paralysis is patient specific, and requires an assessment of the remaining nerve segments, musculature, functional deficits, anticipated recovery, and patient factors. When feasible, reinnervation of the remaining musculature can provide the most natural outcome. However, the complex and topographic nature of facial innervation often prevents complete and meaningful movement. In these instances, a wide variety of procedures can be used to combat the functional and cosmetic sequella of facial paralysis.
Department of Otolaryngology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA. vasudivi@med.umich.edu
Vasu
V
Divi
Daniel G
DG
Deschler
D005145:Face / Q000601:surgery; D020220:Facial Nerve Injuries / Q000150:complications* / Q000628:therapy; D005158:Facial Paralysis / Q000209:etiology* / Q000534:rehabilitation; D006258:Head and Neck Neoplasms / Q000601:surgery*; D006801:Humans; D017063:Outcome Assessment, Health Care