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Nerve excitability test in facial palsy: Limitations in its use, based on a study of 130 cases
Author(s) -
May Mark
Publication year - 1972
Publication title -
the laryngoscope
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.181
H-Index - 148
eISSN - 1531-4995
pISSN - 0023-852X
DOI - 10.1288/00005537-197211000-00012
Subject(s) - palsy , crying , stimulus (psychology) , medicine , facial paralysis , psychology , test (biology) , facial muscles , muscle tone , physical medicine and rehabilitation , audiology , neuroscience , surgery , cognitive psychology , paleontology , alternative medicine , pathology , biology , psychiatry
Based upon a study of 130 cases of facial paralysis, the nerve excitability test was found to have limitations. Test results are based upon observing muscle response to an electrical stimulus. This observation is dependent upon a cooperative patient who' does not flinch or pull away, and it is difficult to interpret in a crying child. The test instrument is subject to mechanical failure and must be administered in a standardized fashion. False‐negative responses have been observed but overcome by modifying the method of performing the test and employing the salivary flow test. Nerve excitability is of limited value in cases evaluated within three days after onset because of the delay‐between nerve injury and alteration of the test; also, it is useless in prognosticating once electrical excitability is lost, since it may not return even after noticeable facial muscle function is noted. The test has limited application in cases of bilateral and recurrent facial palsy. Attention is directed to these limitations, and suggestions are made to overcome them.