The Role of Electroneurography in Determining the Prognosis of Idiopathic Facial Paralysis

Abstract

Scientific Background: Most patients with Bell's palsy (idiopathic facial palsy) recover in 4-6 weeks, while 16-30% of the patients suffer some degree of sequelae. Evaluation of prognosis is useful for counseling of patients and guiding further management. Different electrodiagnostic tests are used to assess the prognosis in Bell's palsy, includingelectroneurography (ENoG). Objectives: The aim of this study is to evaluate the use of electroneurography as a prognostic indicator. Material and Methods: 30 patients who were diagnosed with Bell's palsy in Haydarpaşa Numune Education and Research Hospital, 2nd Department of Neurology Clinic were included in this study. Only patients with a electroneurographic evaluation within 8-30 days were included. The patients were evaluated on the 2nd, 4 th and 6 th months according to the House-Brackmann grading scale. The compound muscle action potential (CMAP) amplitudes from frontalis, orbicularisoculi and orbicularis oris muscles on the paralyzed side were compared to the results from the normal side. Results: A drop of CMAP amplitude on the involved side 80% or more was found to be associated with bad outcome.