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Early and continued manual stimulation is required for long‐term recovery after facial nerve injury
Author(s) -
Grosheva Maria,
Rink Svenja,
Jansen Ramona,
Bendella Habib,
Pavlov Stoyan P.,
Sarikcioglu Levent,
Angelov Doychin N.,
Dunlop Sarah A.
Publication year - 2018
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.25613
Subject(s) - whisking in animals , medicine , facial nerve , stimulation , anesthesia , facial muscles , surgery , anastomosis , anatomy , somatosensory system , psychiatry
ABSTRACT Introduction : We previously have shown that manual stimulation (MS) of vibrissal muscles for 2 months after facial nerve injury in rats improves whisking and reduces motor end plate polyinnervation. Here, we seek to determine whether discontinuing or delaying MS after facial–facial anastomosis (FFA) leads to similar results. Methods : Rats were subjected to FFA and received MS for (1) 4 months (early and continued), (2) the first but not the last 2 months (discontinued), or (3) the last 2 months (delayed). Intact animals and those not receiving MS (no MS) were also examined. Results : Early and continued MS restored whisking amplitude to 43°, a value significantly higher compared with the discontinued, delayed, and no MS groups (32°, 24°, and 10°, respectively). Motor end plate polyinnervation occurred in all experimental groups but was significantly higher in the delayed group. Discussion : Early and continued MS results in better recovery than when it is either discontinued or delayed. Muscle Nerve 57 : 100–106, 2018