EFFECT OF COMPREHENSIVE APPROACH ON FEEDING ABILITY OF INFANT WITH FACIAL NERVE PALSY & MICROTIA GRADE 4: A CASE REPORT

Abstract

Facial nerve palsy is a condition with several implications, particularly when occurring in childhood. it can be congenital or acquired. The unilateral facial paralysis can be suspected when, in absence of front and nasolabial groove motility, there is also asymmetry of the face with buccal deviation when crying. The custom-made Facial splint of low-temperature thermoplastic material can support the weak muscle & prevent the deviation. The infant was referred to Occupational Therapy with facial palsy grade IV. The aim of our study is evaluating the immediate functional outcome, while using the custom-made splint. The patient was assessed twice (i.e. Baseline & after 6 weeks) on Neonatal Behavioral Assessment scale (NBAS), Neonatal Oral Motor Assessment Scale (NOMAS), Nonnutritive sucking scoring system, Preterm Infant Feeding Readiness Assessment Scale & Parent stress scale was used to track the feeding readiness & parental stress respectively during intervention. On NBAS, Level 3 to level 5. On NNSS, infant scored 2 to 6 scoring system on non-nutritive sucking & on NOMAS baby scored from 19 to 22. Her ability to initiate suck was improved considerably. Improvement in scores of Preterm Infant Feeding Readiness Assessment Scale at baseline & after 6 weeks. Infant scored 65 to 57 on Parent Stress Scale. In this study, Family Centered approach & the need-based intervention, a custom-made facial splint of low-temperature thermoplastic material along with face strap effective to facial palsy patient, along with conventional Occupational Therapy intervention.