Premium
The maximal stimulation and facial nerve conduction latency tests: Predicting the outcome of bell's palsy
Author(s) -
Ruboyianes John M.,
Adour Kedar K.,
Santos David Q.,
Von Doersten Peter G.
Publication year - 1994
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 - 10.1288/00005537-199401002-00001
Subject(s) - bell's palsy , facial nerve , palsy , facial paralysis , medicine , latency (audio) , paralysis , population , audiology , surgery , physical medicine and rehabilitation , pathology , computer science , telecommunications , alternative medicine , environmental health
To test the hypothesis that the facial nerve conduction latency test is a better and earlier indicator of prognosis than other electrodiagnostic tests, 86 patients with Bell's palsy were followed for a minimum of 4 months. To select control subjects for our own research clinic and for comparison with the patient population, latency values in 25 normal volunteers (50 sides) were determined. Serial maximal stimulation tests (MST) and latency tests were conducted to determine disease severity and prognosis in Bell's palsy patients. Outcome was graded using the Facial Paralysis Recovery Profile (FPRP) and Facial Paralysis Recovery Index (FPRI) as well as the House grading system. The capability of the two tests to accurately predict outcome was evaluated. The MST accurately predicted outcome in 94% of patients studied. In the control group, normal latency values were a mean 3.8 msec with a standard deviation of 0.49. In the patient population, latency values were either within normal limits or absent. When done within 4 days of onset of Bell's palsy, neither test was capable of predicting axonal degeneration. Statistical analyses included Fisher's Exact Test, the paired Student's t test, and correlation coefficient calculations.