Facial Nerve Paresis
Conditions
Keywords
Facial Nerve Paralysis, Functional Electrical Stimulation, Rehabilitation
Brief summary
Partial or complete facial paralysis is the weakness of muscles of facial expression. Facial paralysis causes physical, social and emotional problems. Functional electrical stimulation (FES) for facial paralysis is a technique in which muscles are electrically stimulated, causing them to contract This study is designed to help patients with facial nerve weakness.
Interventions
OTHERApplication of FES to the Face
Functional electrical stimulation (FES) for facial paralysis is a technique in which muscles are electrically stimulated.
Sponsors
University Health Network, Toronto
Study design
Allocation
NON_RANDOMIZED
Intervention model
PARALLEL
Primary purpose
OTHER
Masking
NONE
Eligibility
Sex/Gender
ALL
Healthy volunteers
No
Inclusion criteria
* Patients experiencing unilateral facial nerve paralysis Brackmann 5/6 or 6/6.
Exclusion criteria
* History of epilepsy or seizures. * Individuals with metal orthopedic implants in the mouth (e.g. plates or screws). * Individuals suffering from fibromyalgia. * Individuals currently receiving any form of transcranial brain stimulation (e.g. rTMS, ECT, or MST).
Design outcomes
Primary
| Measure | Time frame | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Change in Lagophthalmos Over 14 weeks | Measured at week 0, 7 and 14 | Change in ability to close eyelids, measured in mm |
| Change in Elevation of Corner of Mouth Over 14 weeks | Measured at week 0, 7 and 14 | Change in ability to raise corner of mouth, measured in mm |
| Change House-Brackmann Scale Measurement Over 14 weeks | Measured at week 0, 7 and 14 | The House-Brackmann facial nerve grading scale is a measure of facial nerve impairment. The scale ranges from values 1 to 6, with larger values indicating greater facial nerve impairment. |
| FaCE Questionnaire | Administered at week 0, 7 and 14 | Patient-based instrument to measure both facial impairment and disability. This will be used to identify patient's perceived change in facial impairment for the duration of the study period. |
| Change in Facial Movements Over 14 weeks | Measured at week 0, 7 and 14 | A video will be taken of the patient undergoing standard facial movements |
| Study Interview | Administered at week 0, 7 and 14 | A structured interview questionnaire administered by a study team member to identify any changes to the therapy that may be needed before further studies are conducted |
Countries
Canada
Outcome results
None listed