Prognosis prediction changes based on the timing of electroneurography after facial paralysis

Abstract

Background The process of determining the prognosis and subsequent facial nerve decompression has become an important factor in determining the patient’s quality of life. Aim In this study, the prognosis of facial paralysis was verified in detail based on the timing of electroneurography (ENOG) and nerve conduction study (NCS). Materials and methods The ENOG and NCS of 368 facial palsy patients were analyzed. House–Brackmann (HB) scale after 6 months was used as an outcome. For the ENOG, nasalis muscle/levator labii superioris alaeque nasi (NL), and orbicularis oculi (OO) muscle were used and NCS performed using temporal, zygomatic, and buccal branches. Results ENOG at the OO performed 4–6 d after onset was ≤10% (p = .002, 10.0-fold) and showed unfavorable results (when the standard was ≥30%). In addition, the ENOG at the NL performed 13–15 d after onset was ≤10% (p = .001, 10.5-fold) and showed unfavorable results (when the standard was ≥30%). Conclusions The results indicated that ENOG at the OO performed 4–6 d after onset and ENOG at the NL performed 13–15 d after onset had more prognostic value for the outcomes of acute peripheral facial palsy.