EVALUATION OF RECOVERY BY STAPES REFLEX IN PATIENTS WITH PERIPHERAL FACIAL PARALYSIS

Abstract

Objective: The aim of this study was to investigate the acoustic reflex in different frequencies at the time of diagnosis, during the treatment and follow-up of patients with idiopathic peripheral facial nerve palsy and compare these results with House-Brackmann clinical scoring to determine the prognostic value of acoustic reflex in these patients. Material and Methods: Thirty-three adult patients with idiopathic peripheral facial palsy (aged 18-77 years, 16 male, 17 female) were included in the study. All the patients were clinically graded with House-Brackmann clinical scoring and acoustic reflex test was performed at the time of diagnosis, 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th weeks, 2nd and 3rd month. Ipsilateral acoustic reflex thresholds were measured from both ears with impedance audiometry using a 226 Hz probe tone. Results: Significant relation was observed between the presence of sequel and initial grade and absence of acoustic reflex at 0.5, 1, 2 kHz at time of diagnosis. In addition, after the 1st week, a significant relation was also detected at 4 kHz frequency during all the follow-up period. The risk of sequelae would increase more than 3 times as the initial grade value increased. Conclusion: The present study revealed the relation between the sequel and initial high grade, the absence of acoustic reflex at 0.5, 1, 2 kHz at time of diagnosis in addition with high age. Statistics does not support the same relation at 4 kHz frequency at time of diagnosis. However, statistic reveals that only the initial grade can best predict the risk of sequel, in addition, the risk of sequel increases more than 3 times as the initial grade value increase.