Talk Description
Institution: University of Alabama at Birmingham Hospital - Alabama, United States of America
Aim: Facial nerve (FN) palsy is consequent to a variety of etiologies including viral infection (Bell’s, Ramsay Hunt), Tumors (Vestibular neuromas, parotid tumors) and trauma (iatrogenic injury, craniofacial injury)i. Current treatment paradigms often employ the use of chemodenervation, however, its use is limited to spasms, synkinesis, and hyperkinesisii . Treatment has not yet been described in a constraint-based manner in which contralateral facial muscles are immobilized to encourage use of facial muscles with FN damage.
Methodology: An IRB approved retrospective review was conducted of patients with FN damage undergoing constraint-based chemodenervation at a single institution between 8/2023 and 2/2026 in conjunction with facial nerve therapy. Demographics recorded included age, sex, laterality of paralysis, date and age of onset, months between injury and therapy initiation, muscles injected, prior FN surgery, and onset etiology. Outcome measures were recorded using FACEs and Sunnybrook scoring, and patient reported satisfaction.
Results: We collected data on 14 patients undergoing constraint-based chemodenervation while active in facial nerve therapy. 5 patients had right sided paralysis, and 9 patients had left sided. Majority of patients (12) were female. On average, 39.6 months occurred between injury and therapy initiation. 9 patients had prior static FN surgery, and 5 had prior dynamic FN surgery. The average pre-therapy Sunnybrook score was 37.6 and 57.3 post-therapy. Average pre-therapy FACEs score was 36.4 and 47.1 post-therapy. Average number of facial therapy visits following constraint initiation was 6.7. All patients endorsed functional, cosmetic, and overall improvement.
Discussion: The use of constraint-based chemodenervation with facial nerve therapy may have implications for treatment of patients experiencing FN palsy following a variety of etiologies. Further studies with additional patient enrollment are warranted for additional assessment.
Presenters
Authors
Authors
Ms Madeline Bald - , Dr Connor Koch - , Mr Juan Gordillo - , Mr Nicolaus Knight - , Ms Allison Seamon - , Mr Duane Trahan - , Dr Natalie Derise - , Dr Harishanker Jeyarajan - , Dr Benjamin Greene -