[Idiopathic peripheral facial paralysis. Prognostic value of the combined study of the blink reflex with stimulation of the facial nerve. 91 cases]

Abstract

The blink reflex and stimulodetection of the facial nerve was studied during the first ten days, the 30th and 60th day and at the end of the sixth month in 91 patients with Bell's palsy. In patients with present R1 during the first ten days, there was a remarkable tendency towards a satisfactory recovery without complications. On the contrary using this single test, it is impossible to determine with 100% accuracy, which Bell's palsy will have an unsatisfactory recovery with severe dysfunction. The blink reflex seems to be a useful test for predicting the prognosis in an early stage of the paralysis. The association of the blink reflex and stimulodetection of the facial nerve allows to evaluate the risk of sequelae by the means of different electrophysiological patterns.