Long-term Follow-up of Idiopathic Facial Palsy

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to observe clinical characteristics and electrodiagnostic findings of idiopathic facial palsy and to follow up beyond 1 year after onset. METHOD: From February 2002 to July 2003 the authors analyzed 103 cases that could be followed up after 1 year since diagnosed as idiopathic facial palsy by electrodiagnostic study which was performed at approximately 2 weeks after the onset time. The patients were classified by House- Brackmann (H-B) facial nerve grading system on their first visits and followed up by telephone interview using H-B system. Treatment method, age, sex, medical history and symptoms were noted. In addition, the blink reflex, nerve conduction study and needle electromyography (EMG) were done. RESULTS: When degree of degeneration (% degeneration) was greater than 90% at approximately 2 weeks after the onset or motor unit action potentials were not detected in at least one among the four tested muscles, patients did not gain satisfactory facial function after 1 year. CONCLUSION: Methods related to prognosis of idiopathic facial palsy were compared with side to side evoked potential amplitude and needle EMG. This methods would be helpful to explain its prognosis.