Electrophysiological Examination of the Facial Nerve

Czech version

Authors: R. Mazanec
Authors‘ workplace: 2. LF UK a FN V Motole, Praha ; Neurologická klinika
Published in: Cesk Slov Neurol N 2007; 70/103(6): 625-630
Category: Review Article

Podpořeno: VZ 00064203/6506 a grantem IGA NR/9517-3

Overview

Electrophysiological examination is used to test the motor fibres of the facial nerve and forms part of the diagnostic algorithm for its acute and chronic lesion. The basic test battery consists of direct electrical stimulation, blink reflex, needle EMG and magnetic stimulation. Comprehensive evaluation of the obtained data is necessary to localise the lesions in the peripheral and/or central part of the motor pathways. The examination is important for differential diagnostics of the etiology of the nervous lesion and for a more precise prognosis of the trend in the facial nerve paresis depending on the severity of affection of the nerve. In the case of a chronic lesion, i.e. facial hemispasm, the examination objectivises the paroxysms of involuntary, clonic and synchronous twitches of facial muscles. The tests provide the necessary information for the indication of conservative (rehabilitation) or surgical treatment both at the acute stage and during subsequent conservative therapy.

Key words:
facial nerve palsy – hemispasm – blink reflex – electromyography – magnetic stimulation

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