Abstract
ABSTRACT Facial palsies have multiple etiologies, but have in common the negative impact not only on the functions of the stomatognathic system but also on the self-image and emotional expression. This article aimed to describe a case study of unilateral peripheral facial palsy caused by the Guillain-Barré Syndrome. Hence, it shares assessment and intervention experiences related to this type of change and presents its functional results. It also highlights the important role of the interdisciplinary team (which comprised a physiatrist, physical therapist, speech-language-hearing therapist, occupational therapist, and nurses) to catalyze the patient’s evolution and the management of possible complications. Moreover, it is rather important to integrate the patients as members of the rehabilitation team, empowering them and giving them responsibility for the success of the intervention.
Highlights
Facial palsy can be defined as a change in the mimetic muscles caused by a lesion in the facial nerve at any point of its trajectory[1,2]
The focus is on the Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS), which is an autoimmune change characterized by the acute onset of polyradiculoneuropathies, a quickly progressing weakness in more than one member accompanied by areflexia[3,4,5]
This article aimed at presenting a case study on the rehabilitation of a patient with unilateral peripheral facial palsy (PFP) resulting from GBS and describe the application of a speech-language-hearing and physical therapy intervention approach
Summary
Facial palsy can be defined as a change in the mimetic muscles caused by a lesion in the facial nerve at any point of its trajectory (from the pons nucleus to the neuromuscular junction)[1,2]. In peripheral facial palsy (PFP), the muscles in one or both hemifaces are totally or partially involved (depending on its etiology), usually affecting the three thirds of the face[2]. PFP occurs frequently, the changes in the mimetic muscles are seldom unilateral[3,4,6], and its prevalence after full recovery is approximately 6%5. The musculoskeletal structure of the face influences the functions of the stomatognathic system – speech, mastication, and swallowing disorders are expected to occur[2,3,7,8]. Compensatory movements, to perform these functions and in the guided exercises, may worsen the structural imbalances[2] and cause facial pain, in the temporomandibular joint (TMJ)
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