Physical therapy for idiopathic facial paralysis: A systematic review

Abstract

Purpose: Idiopathic facial paralysis is a challenging condition that can significantly impact patients' quality of life. Treatment options include both medical to surgical management. The objective is to further understand and review the current literature on the effectiveness of physical therapy for treatment of idiopathic facial paralysis.

Materials and methods: MEDLINE, EMBASE, and Cochrane Library were searched. English-language studies assessing the outcomes of idiopathic facial paralysis in adults after completion of physical therapy were included for analysis.

Results: This study screened 778 studies, of which 12 met inclusion criteria. There were 228 patients included for analysis. Four studies, contributing 79 patients, included sex and age demographics, with a breakdown of 45 females and 34 males with an average age of 49.4 years. Objective outcomes were most frequently measured by utilizing the Sunnybrook Facial Grading System, followed by House-Brackmann Score and Facial Disability Index. All studies highlighted the positive result physical therapy had on facial rehabilitation.

Conclusion: The body of literature on physical therapy in treating idiopathic facial paralysis, although limited in size, strongly supports its use to accelerate recovery and minimize adverse outcomes. These findings suggest the addition of physical therapy in the management of patients with facial paralysis.

Keywords: Facial paralysis; Outcomes; Physical therapy; bell's palsy.