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Subthreshold continuous electrical stimulation facilitates functional recovery of facial nerve after crush injury in rabbit
Author(s) -
Kim Jin,
Han Su Jin,
Shin Dong Hyun,
Lee Wonsang,
Choi Jae Young
Publication year - 2011
Publication title -
muscle and nerve
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.025
H-Index - 145
eISSN - 1097-4598
pISSN - 0148-639X
DOI - 10.1002/mus.21840
Subject(s) - stimulation , crush injury , electric stimulation , functional electrical stimulation , subthreshold conduction , medicine , rabbit (cipher) , neuroscience , anatomy , anesthesia , biology , surgery , computer science , physics , voltage , transistor , quantum mechanics , computer security
We sought to determine whether electrical stimulation (ES) with subthreshold, continuous, low‐frequency impulses is a viable clinical method for improving functional recovery after facial nerve crush injury. In 10 rabbits, bilateral crush injuries were made on the facial nerve by compression for 30 s with mosquito forceps, causing complete facial paralysis. Subthreshold continuous direct current ES with 20‐Hz square‐wave pulses was applied to the proximal stump on one side for 4 weeks. Vibrissae movement returned significantly earlier on the ES side, with a less variable recovery time. Electrophysiologically, the stimulated side had a significantly shorter latency, longer duration, and faster conduction velocity. Light and transmission electron microscopy revealed that the electrical stimulation also markedly decreased Wallerian degeneration. The average numbers of fluorescent, double‐labeled nerve cells were significantly different between the ES and non‐ES sides. This study shows that subthreshold, continuous, low‐frequency ES immediately after a crush injury of the facial nerve results in earlier recovery of facial function and shorter overall recovery time. Muscle Nerve 43: 251–258, 2011