House-Brackmann Grade Research Articles

Efficacy of Mirror Biofeedback Rehabilitation on Synkinesis in Acute Stage Facial Palsy in Children.

To evaluate the efficacy of mirror biofeedback rehabilitation for synkinesis in severe acute facial paralysis in children. Eight pediatric patients with facial paralysis with an initial electroneurography (ENoG) value less than 10% who underwent mirror biofeedback rehabilitation (the child-rehabilitation group) were enrolled. Seven infants (under age 2 yr) who were unable to undergo rehabilitation (the infant-and-toddler control group) and adult patients (n = 13, range, 33-56 yr) who underwent rehabilitation (the adult-rehabilitation group) comprised the control groups. All the patients enrolled were baseline House-Brackmann (H-B) grade VI at onset. The patients began daily facial biofeedback rehabilitation using a mirror at the first sign of muscle contraction on the affected side and were instructed to keep their eyes symmetrically open using a mirror during mouth movements. The training was continued for 12 months after the onset of facial paralysis. The degree of oral-ocular synkinesis was evaluated by the degree of asymmetry in eye opening width during mouth movements. The synkinesis index was calculated as a percentage of the interpalpebral space width ([normal side - affected side]/normal side). Statistical analyses used non-parametric tests (the Kruskal-Wallis test and Steel-Dwass posthoc test). The synkinesis index was significantly lower in the child-rehabilitation group than in the infant-and-toddler control group or the adult-rehabilitation group (p < 0.001). Children who underwent mirror biofeedback rehabilitation had less synkinesis than the infant-and-toddler control group, suggesting that mirror biofeedback rehabilitation is more effective in preventing the exacerbation of synkinesis in children.

Role of Body Dysmorphic Disorder in Patients With Postparalytic Facial Synkinesis.

To evaluate the role of body dysmorphic disorder (BDD) in patients with postparalytic facial nerve syndrome with synkinesis (PFS). A single-center retrospective cohort study. A total of 221 adults (74% women; median age: 44 years; median duration since onset of facial palsy: 1.6 years) were included. To diagnose BDD, the BDD Munich Module was used. Associations with House-Brackmann grading, Stennert index grading, Facial Clinimetric Evaluation (FaCE) survey, Facial Disability Index (FDI), general quality of life (SF-36), Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), and the Liebowitz Social Anxiety Scale (LSAS) was analyzed. A total of 59 patients (27%) were classified as patients with BDD. Significant associations were found between the diagnosis of BDD and female gender and lower FDI, FaCE, and SF-36 scores and higher BDI and LSAS scores. Multivariate analysis revealed BDI, FaCE total score, and FaCE social function subscore as independent factors associated with BDD. BDD was a relevant diagnosis in patients with PFS. A higher BDD level was associated with general and facial-specific quality of life and more psychosocial disabilities. Optimal treatment of PFS has to include these nonmotor dysfunctions. 3 Laryngoscope, 131:E2518-E2524, 2021.

Facial Nerve Length Influence on Vestibular Schwannoma Microsurgery Outcomes

Facial nerve (FN) function preservation is the primary goal during vestibular schwannoma (VS) resection. Many factors are linked to postoperative FN outcomes. In the present study, we evaluated the association between FN length and VS surgical outcomes. We included 70 consecutive patients who had undergone VS microsurgery between October 2019 and November 2020. The clinical data were prospectively obtained from the patients. The relative FN (rFN) length was obtained by subtracting the contralateral FN length from the ipsilateral FN length as measured using DSI Studio software (available at: http://dsi-studio.labsolver.org/). The postoperative FN function was House-Brackmann grade I in 47 of the 70 patients (67.1%), grade II in 10 (14.3%), and grade III in 13 (18.6%). Gross total resection (GTR) was performed in 61 patients (87.1%). A residual tumor was retained to preserve FN function in 9 of the 70 patients (12.9%), and rFN length was measured (mean diameter, 20.8 mm; range, 2.5-51.5]). On multivariate analysis, the rFN length was significantly associated with the extent of tumor resection. The receiver operating characteristic curve indicated that the cutoff value for rFN length to predict for intraoperative near total resection versus GTR was 36.6 mm, with a specificity and sensitivity of 93.4% and 88.9%, respectively. The rFN length is important for predicting surgical outcomes. An rFN length >36.6 mm might indicate difficulty in achieving GTR with preservation of FN function. Therefore, the rFN length could become an objective indicator for neurosurgeons to predict the difficulty of GTR to preserve FN function.

COMPLETE MANAGEMENT OF ARDITA (BELL’S PALSY) AS PER AYURVEDA CHIKITSA SUTRA – A CASE REPORT

Bell’s palsy, also known as acute idiopathic lower motor neuron facial paralysis, is characterized by sud-den onset paralysis or weakness of the muscles to one side of the face controlled by the facial nerve. In contemporary science, administration of steroids is the treatment of choice for complete facial palsy. Cer-tain Panchakarma procedures and internal Ayurvedic medicines have been proved to be beneficial in the management of Ardita vata. The present report deals with a case of 62-year-old male patient diagnosed as Ardita vata was treated with various Panchakarma procedures like Nasya, Shirobasti, Kukkutanda Swedana, Dashmoola Ksheer Dhoom, Gandoosh and oral Ayurveda medicines. Criteria of assessment was based on the scoring of House-Brackmann Facial Nerve Grading scale. After completion of Ayurveda treatment, the patient Shown almost complete recovery without any adverse effects. This case is an evi-dence to demonstrate the effectiveness of Ayurveda treatment in case of Ardita vata (Bell’s palsy).

Facial Nerve Function Outcome and Risk Factors in Resection of Large Cystic Vestibular Schwannomas.

Objective Cystic vestibular schwannomas (VS) in contrast to solid VS tend to have accelerated growth, larger volume, rapid/atypical presentation, lobulated/adherent surface, and unpredictable course of the cranial nerves. Cystic VS are surgically challenging, with worse clinical outcomes and higher rate of subtotal resection (STR). Methods We retrospectively analyzed postoperative outcomes of 125 patients with cystic VS, operated between years 2005 and 2019 in our center. We confronted the extent of the resection and House-Brackmann (HB) grade of facial palsy with the results of comparable cohort of patients with solid VS operated in our center and literature review by Thakur et al. 1 Results Translabyrinthine approach was preferred for resection of large, cystic VS (97.6%). Gross-total resection (GTR) was achieved in 78 patients (62.4%), near-total resection (NTR) with remnant (<4 × 4 × 2 mm) in 43 patients (34.4%), and STR in 4 patients (3.2%). NTR/STR were significantly associated with higher age, tumor volume >5 cm 3 , retrosigmoid approach, high-riding jugular bulb, tumor adherence to the brain stem, and facial nerve ( p = 0.016; 0.003; 0.005; 0.025; 0.001; and <0.00001, respectively). One year after the surgery, 76% of patients had HB grades 1 to 2, 16% had HB grades 3 to 4, and 8% had HB grades 5 to 6 palsy. Worse outcome (HB grades 3 to 6) was associated with preoperative facial palsy, tumor volume >25 cm 3 , and cyst over the brain stem ( p = 0.045; 0.014; and 0.05, respectively). Comparable solid VS operated in our center had significantly higher HB grades 1 to 2 rate than our cystic VS (94% versus 76%; p = 0.03). Comparing our results with literature review, our HB grades 1 to 2 rate was significantly higher (76% versus 39%; p = 0.0001). Tumor control rate 5 years after surgery was 95.8%. Conclusion Our study confirmed that microsurgery of cystic VS has worse outcomes of facial nerve preservation and extent of resection compared with solid VS. Greater attention should be paid to the above-mentioned risk factors.

Long-Term Outcomes of the Electrically Unresponsive, Anatomically Intact Facial Nerve Following Vestibular Schwannoma Surgery.

Objective The study aimed to determine long-term outcomes in patients with intraoperative electrical conduction block in an anatomically intact facial nerve (FN). Methods Single center retrospective review of prospectively collected database of all vestibular schwannoma surgeries between January 1, 2008 and August 25, 2015. Operative notes were reviewed and patients with anatomically intact FNs, but complete conduction block at the end of surgery were included for analysis. Results In total, 371 patients had vestibular schwannoma surgery of which 18 met inclusion criteria. Mean follow-up was 34.28 months and average tumor size was 28.00 mm. Seventeen patients had House-Brackmann Grade VI facial palsy immediately postoperatively and one patient was grade V. At 1 year, three patients remained grade VI (17%), two improved to grade V (11%), seven to grade IV (39%), six to grade III (33%), and one patient to grade II (6%). On extended follow-up, five patients (28%) had additional 1 to 2 score improvement in facial function. Subset analysis revealed no correlation of tumor size, vascularity, adherence to nerve, operative approach, extent of resection, splaying of FN, and recurrent tumor or sporadic tumors to the extent of FN recovery. Conclusion Intraoperative conduction block does not condemn a patient to permanent FN palsy. There is potential for a degree of recovery comparable with those undergoing nerve grafting. Our data do not clearly support a policy of same-surgery or early-postoperative primary nerve grafting in the event of a complete conduction block, and instead we favor monitoring for recovery in an anatomically intact nerve.

Efficacy of surgical repair for the functional restoration of injured facial nerve

BackgroundEarly surgical repair to restore nerve integrity has become the most commonly practiced method for managing facial nerve injury. However, the evidence for the efficacy of surgical repair for restoring the function of facial nerves remains deficient. This study evaluated the outcomes of surgical repair for facial nerve lesions.MethodsThis retrospective observational study recruited 28 patients with the diagnosis of facial nerve injury who consecutively underwent surgical repairs from September 2012 to May 2019. All related clinical data were retrospectively analyzed according to age, sex, location of the facial nerve lesion, size of the facial nerve defect, method of repair, facial electromyogram, and blink reflex. Facial function was then stratified with the House-Brackmann grading system pre-operation and 3, 9, 15, and 21 months after surgical repair.ResultsThe 28 patients enrolled in this study included 17 male and 11 female patients with an average age of 34.3 ± 17.4 years. Three methods were applied for the repair of an injured facial nerve, including great auricular nerve transplantation in 15 patients, sural nerve grafting in 7 patients, and hypoglossal to facial nerve anastomosis in 6 patients. Facial nerve function was significantly improved at 21 months after surgery compared with pre-operative function (P = 0.008). Following surgical repair, a correlation was found between the amplitude of motor unit potential (MUP) and facial nerve function (r = -6.078, P = 0.02). Moreover, the extent of functional restoration of the facial nerve at 21 months after surgery depended on the location of the facial nerve lesion; lesions at either the horizontal or vertical segment showed significant improvement(P = 0.008 and 0.005), while no functional restoration was found for lesions at the labyrinthine segment (P = 0.26).ConclusionsFor surgical repair of facial nerve lesions, the sural nerve, great auricular nerve, and hypoglossal-facial nerve can be grafted effectively to store the function of a facial nerve, and MUP may provide an effective indicator for monitoring the recovery of the injured nerve.

Impact of vestibular nerve preservation on facial and hearing outcomes in small vestibular schwannoma surgery: a technical feasibility study.

Management of small vestibular schwannomas (VSs) remains controversial. When surgery is chosen, the preservation of facial and cochlear nerve function is a priority. In this report, we introduce and evaluate a technique to anatomically preserve the vestibular nerves to minimize manipulation and preserve the function of the facial and cochlear nerves. The vestibular nerve preservation technique was prospectively applied to resect small VS tumors in patients with serviceable preoperative hearing (American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery (AAO-HNS) class A or B). Clinical and radiological data were recorded and analyzed. Ten patients met the inclusion criteria. The mean (SD) age was 40.4 (12.5) years. Follow-up ranged from 6weeks to 2years. The maximum tumor diameter parallel to the internal auditory canal ranged from 10 to 20mm (mean, 14.9 (3.1) mm). There were three Koos grade 3 and seven Koos grade 2 tumors. Gross total resection was achieved in all cases. Both the facial and cochlear nerves were anatomically preserved in all cases. Postoperatively, 7 patients (70%) remained in the AAO-HNS class A or B hearing category. None of the patients had new vestibular symptoms, and all had House-Brackmann grade 1 facial function. Nervus intermedius dysfunction was observed in 1 patient preoperatively, which worsened postoperatively. Two patients had new nervus intermedius symptoms postoperatively. Improvement of facial nerve and hearing outcomes is feasible through the intentional preservation of the vestibular nerves in the resection of small VSs. Longer follow-up is required to rule out tumor recurrence.

Association Between the Inflammatory Parameters and Prognosis of Bell’s Palsy

Aim: Bell's palsy is a form of deficiency in the face and paralysis related to peripheral- nerve dysfunction. Our study investigates the role of the inflammatory values in predicting Bell’s palsy prognosis. Methods: A total of 58 Bell’s palsy ≥ III patients, according to the House Brackman classification, on the first presentation were taken as the study group, and 60 age and gender-matched healthy people without any disease formed the control group. The success of the corticosteroid treatment was accepted as House Brackmann grades I and II in the post-treatment follow-up, and grades III to VI patients were evaluated as partial-not meaningful recovery. In addition, pretreatment hemogram and biochemistry tests were recorded, and the C-reactive protein (CRP)/albumin ratio, Neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio (NLR), red blood cell distribution width (RDW), and mean platelet volume (MPV) of the patients were compared. Results: In the study group, the CRP/albumin ratio and the mean RDW were statistically significantly higher than the control group (0.958 ± 0.91 vs. 0.478 ± 0.322, p = 0.029; 13.89 ± 1.27 vs. 12.98 ± 0.72, p 0.05). Conclusion: Higher CRP/albumin, RDW, NLR, MPV were related to a poor prognosis for Bell’s palsy. RDW, which to date has been a widely used marker for inflammation, could be a potentially promising marker for use in predicting prognosis in Bell’s palsy.

Optimal Volume of the Residual Tumor to Predict Long-term Tumor Control Using Stereotactic Radiosurgery after Facial Nerve-preserving Surgery for Vestibular Schwannomas.

BackgroundIntended subtotal resection (STR) followed by adjuvant gamma knife radiosurgery (GKRS) has emerged as an effective treatment option for facial nerve (FN) preservation in vestibular schwannomas (VSs). This study aimed to identify the optimal cut-off volume of residual VS to predict favorable outcomes in terms of both tumor control and FN preservation.MethodsThis retrospective study assessed the patients who underwent adjuvant GKRS for residual VS after microsurgery. A total of 68 patients who had been followed up for ≥ 24 months after GKRS were included. Tumor progression was defined as an increase in tumor volume (TV) of ≥ 20%. House-Brackmann grades I and II were considered to indicate good FN function.ResultsThe median residual TV was 2.5 cm3 (range: 0.3–27.4). The median follow-up period after the first adjuvant GKRS was 64 months (range: 25.7–152.4). Eight (12%) patients showed tumor progression. In multivariate analyses, residual TV was associated with tumor progression (P = 0.003; hazard ratio [HR], 1.229; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.075–1.405). A residual TV of 6.4 cm3 was identified as the cut-off volume for showing the greatest difference in progression-free survival (PFS). The 5-year PFS rates in the group with residual TVs of < 6.4 cm3 (54 patients) and that with residual TVs of ≥ 6.4 cm3 (14 patients) were 93.3% and 69.3%, respectively (P = 0.014). A good FN outcome was achieved in 57 (84%) patients. Residual TV was not associated with good FN function during the immediate postoperative period (P = 0.695; odds ratio [OR], 1.024; 95% CI, 0.908–1.156) or at the last follow-up (P = 0.755; OR, 0.980; 95% CI, 0.866–1.110).ConclusionIn this study, residual TV was associated with tumor progression in VS after adjuvant GKRS following STR. As preservation of FN function is not correlated with the extent of resection, optimal volume reduction is imperative to achieve long-term tumor control. Our findings will help surgeons predict the prognosis of residual VS after FN-preserving surgery.

Inner ear salivary gland choristoma extending to the middle ear with congenital profound hearing loss and facial palsy: a case report

BackgroundSalivary gland choristoma (SGCh) is a rare benign tumor reported in several unusual sites, such as the gastrointestinal tract, the optic nerve, and the internal auditory canal, but never reported in the inner ear.Case presentationAn 8-year-old girl with a history of left profound congenital hearing loss presented to us with ipsilateral progressive severe facial nerve palsy (House-Brackmann Grade VI). The left tympanic membrane was swollen with a pulsatile tumor. Radiological investigations revealed a multilocular tumor in the inner ear extending into the middle ear and internal auditory canal (IAC). We performed a partial resection of the tumor by transmastoid approach to preserve the anatomical structure of the facial nerve. The tumor was pathologically diagnosed as SGCh. Two years after surgery, her facial function recovered to House-Brackmann Grade II and the residual tumor did not show regrowth on MRI.ConclusionsAlthough the natural course of this rare tumor is unknown, a partial resection is an acceptable treatment procedure when functional recovery of the facial nerve is anticipated.Graphical abstract

COVID-19 Associated Facial Palsy, A Clinical Dilemma.

Sir, Coronavirus-2019 (COVID-19) is found to present with a myriad of symptoms, ranging from a simple flu-like illness to complex neurological manifestations, and continues to baffle us with its presentations. We intend to highlight an important presentation of COVID-19 infection. A 43-year-old man presented with sudden onset right-sided facial weakness, following testing positive for SARS-CoV-2, where full diagnostic workup excluded other causes. This gentleman presented having woken up with sudden onset right-sided facial weakness. He tested positive for COVID-19 3 weeks prior and again on admission. Past medical history included insulin-dependent type 2 diabetes and hypertension, which were well controlled. Examination revealed Grade III right-sided lower motor neuron facial nerve palsy on the House–Brackmann grading system. There was no other neurological deficit. Ear, nose, and throat examination was normal. Admission blood tests revealed mildly elevated C-reactive protein (8 mg/dl) and a nonfasted plasma glucose of 7.9 mmol/L. Both computer tomography and magnetic resonance imaging of the head were normal. Lumbar puncture showed normal cell count and ruled out bacterial infection on culture and viral infection on polymerase chain reaction assay. Stapedial reflex showed an elevated threshold on the right side, while pure tone audiometry was within the normal range. Benefits of commencing steroids for facial palsy were considered, weighed against detrimental effects on blood sugars, and unproven benefit in COVID-19 infection. He was treated with 50 mg prednisolone daily with careful monitoring of blood glucose levels for 10 days, and eye lubricants. Upon follow-up, there was a great improvement in facial palsy to Grade II on the House–Brackman scale. COVID-19 continues to surprise and challenge with new presentations. One such symptom is possibly that of unilateral facial paralysis as shown by our case. Various central and peripheral nervous system manifestations of COVID-19 have been reported,[12] although not including facial palsy, and are sometimes the only presenting symptom. This is of immense value as we must have a high index of suspicion to manage the case appropriately and prevent further spread of infection. It remains unclear whether COVID-19 is neurotropic,[2] yet it has been linked to various nervous system manifestations. Aberrant immune response to COVID-19 may be responsible for polyneuritis cranialis[3] which could explain the involvement of cranial nerves in COVID-19 despite being not found in cerebrospinal fluid. A possible association between isolated cranial neuropathies and COVID-19 has been suggested in several case reports, which need further analysis to support causality.[4] Prakash and Raymond inferred that diabetes and hypertension do not influence the outcome of Bell's palsy.[5] Our case has considerable partial recovery and timely steroid intervention seems to have supported this. Although diabetes is associated with facial palsy, in these times, we have to approach any case with COVID-19 with an open mind to the neurological manifestations the virus can cause. We believe that facial palsy must be considered as one of the presentations of COVID-19 infection and keep your guard up with respect to the prevention of spread of the infection. Thanking you, Declaration of patient consent The authors certify that they have obtained all appropriate patient consent forms. In the form, the legal guardian has given his consent for images and other clinical information to be reported in the journal. The guardian understands that names and initials will not be published and due efforts will be made to conceal identity, but anonymity cannot be guaranteed. Financial support and sponsorship Nil. Conflicts of interest There are no conflicts of interest.

Subtotal Resection Followed by Adjuvant Radiosurgery for Large Vestibular Schwannomas: Outcomes with Regard to the Timing and Regimen of Irradiation.

To evaluate the results of combined management of large vestibular schwannomas (VS) with initial subtotal resection (STR) followed by adjuvant stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS), with a particular emphasis on the timing and regimen of irradiation. Seventeen patients underwent STR of a VS followed by SRS, whereas five others were observed after STR. Early SRS (<6months after surgery) and late SRS (>6months after surgery) were done in 8 and 9 patients, respectively. Single- and multisession SRS treatments were administered in 10 and 7 patients, respectively. The mean follow-up durations after surgery and SRS were 40 and 28months, respectively. The rates of radiological and oncological tumor control after SRS were 82% and 100%, respectively. The tumor volume at the last follow-up and its relative changes after SRS did not differ significantly on the basis of the irradiation timing (early versus late) or on the basis of the irradiation regimen (single-session versus multisession). In no patient who was observed after STR of a VS was tumor regrowth noted during a mean follow-up period of 49months. At 12months after surgery, motor function of the ipsilateral facial nerve corresponded to House-Brackmann grades I, II, III, and IV in 16patients (73%), 3patients (14%), 1patient (5%), and 2patients (9%), respectively. Facial nerve function at the last follow-up did not differ significantly on the basis of the irradiation timing (early versus late) or on the basis of the irradiation regimen (single-session versus multisession). The combination of initial STR followed by adjuvant SRS is an effective treatment strategy for patients with a large VS. Although the optimal timing and regimen of postoperative irradiation of the residual lesion should be defined further, our preliminary data suggest that either early or late SRS after surgery may provide good tumor control and optimal functional results.

Vestibular Schwannoma Surgery: Outcome and Complications in Lateral Decubitus Position versus Semi-sitting Position—A Personal Learning Curve in a Series of 544 Cases over 3 Decades

To retrospectively evaluate influence of intraoperative positioning (semisitting vs. lateral decubitus) and surgeon's learning curve with regard to functional outcome of patients with vestibular schwannoma. This study included 544 patients (median age 57 years) and spanned 3 decades: 1991-1999 (n= 103), 2000-2009 (n= 210), and 2010-2019 (n= 231). Surgery was performed in the lateral decubitus position in 318 patients and the semisitting position in 163 patients. Large T3 and T4 tumors were present in 77% of patients. Complete tumor removal was achieved in 94.3% of patients. A significant reduction in surgery duration and blood loss was observed over 3 decades for T3 (from 325 to 261 minutes, P < 0.001) and T4 (from 440 to 330 minutes, P < 0.001), but not for T1 and T2, tumors. The semisitting position diminished surgical time in T3 and T4 tumors by 1 more hour (P < 0.001). Over 3 decades, facial nerve outcome improved significantly from 59.8% House-Brackmann grade 1-2 in the first decade to 81.7% in the last decade (P < 0.001). Furthermore, hearing was preserved in 45.3%: 23.3% of patients in the first decade and 50.5% in the last decade (P= 0.03). However, neither facial nerve outcome nor hearing preservation significantly differed in patients operated on in the lateral decubitus versus the semisitting position. The most common complication was cerebrospinal fluid leak (6.1%) followed by hemorrhage (3.5%) and pulmonary embolism (2.2%). Follow-up over 3 decades illustrates a learning curve with significantly improved results. While the semisitting position accelerates the procedure and is associated with reduced blood loss, it does not significantly influence functional outcome.

Surgery After Surgery for Vestibular Schwannoma: A Case Series.

ObjectiveWe retrospectively evaluated the oncological and functional effectiveness of revision surgery for recurrent or remnant vestibular schwannoma (rVS).MethodsWe included 29 consecutive patients with unilateral hearing loss (16 women; mean age: 42.2 years) that underwent surgery for rVS. Previous surgeries included gross total resections (GTRs, n=11) or subtotal resections (n=18); mean times to recurrence were 9.45 and 4.15 years, respectively. House–Brackmann (HB) grading of facial nerve (FN) weakness (grades II-IV) indicated that 22 (75.9%) patients had deep, long-lasting FN paresis (HB grades: IV-VI). The mean recurrent tumor size was 23.3 mm (range: 6 to 51). Seven patients had neurofibromatosis type 2.ResultsAll patients received revision GTRs. Fourteen small- to medium-sized tumors located at the bottom of the internal acoustic canal required the translabyrinthine approach (TLA); 12 large and small tumors, predominantly in the cerebellopontine angle, required the retrosigmoid approach (RSA); and 2 required both TLA and RSA. One tumor that progressed to the petrous apex required the middle fossa approach. Fifteen patients underwent facial neurorrhaphy. Of these, 11 received hemihypoglossal–facial neurorrhaphies (HHFNs); nine with simultaneous revision surgery. In follow-up, 10 patients (34.48%) experienced persistent deep FN paresis (HB grades IV-VI). After HHFN, all patients improved from HB grade VI to III (n=10) or IV (n=1). No tumors recurred during follow-up (mean, 3.46 years).ConclusionsAggressive microsurgical rVS treatment combined with FN reconstruction provided durable oncological and neurological effects. Surgery was a reasonable alternative to radiosurgery, particularly in facial neurorrhaphy, where it provided a one-step treatment.

Role of Vitamin D Deficiency on The Onset and Prognosis of Bell’s Palsy

Objective: To investigate the role of vitamin D on the etiology and the prognosis of Bell’s Palsy (BP). Methods: A prospective controlled clinical study was conducted on patients diagnosed as BP and healthy volunteers as control group. Vitamin D levels were measured in all subjects. In a homogenous group, effects of vitamin D on the etiology and prognosis were evaluated according to House-Brackmann (HB) grades of participants. Results: Vitamin D levels were similar in the BP and control groups. In BP group, patients with advanced HB grades had lower vitamin D levels. Moreover poorer outcomes (p=0.01) were achieved in patients who had <10ng/ml vitamin D, regardless the initial HB grade. Conclusion: Our results demonstrated a possible role of vitamin D levels on the prognosis of BP. Lower vitamin D levels may have a negative effect on recovery particularly in patients with advanced grades.

KABAT INTERVENTIONS INTEGRATED WITH FACIAL EXPRESSIVE AND FUNCTIONAL EXERCISES FOR BETTER AND SPEEDY RECOVERY IN BELL’S PALSY; A PRE-POST DESIGN

Background: Bell’s palsy (BP) is an acute and idiopathic paralysis of the seventh cranial nerve, which has higher incidence rate in Asian countries compared to the western world. Different contemporary physiotherapy interventions have been used in treatment of impairments and functional limitations caused due to the BP. However, traditional usual care is still in practice in context like Nepal, which has to be shifted to evidence-based treatment. Therefore, pres­ent study investigated effectiveness of Kabat intervention integrated with facial expressive and functional exercises in Bell’s palsy. Methods: This pre-post comparative study recruited eight participants of age 22 to 52 years with acute and sub-acute, unilateral, idiopathic BP by purposive sampling. A physiotherapist admin­istered the Kabat intervention integrated with facial expressive and functional exercises for four weeks. Another physiotherapists assessed before as well as after two and four weeks of the treat­ment using Sunny Brook Facial Grading, House-Brackmann grading, lip-length measurement, facial disability and patients’ satisfaction measures. One-way ANOVA with repeated measures was used to analyze data across three points of time. Results: Eight participants with mean age 41.38 years (10.66) completed the study. Significant improvement with high effect sizes (0.82 – 0.95) was found on both outcome measures across the time. There was significant improvement on lip measurement as well. The participants’ satisfaction level was 8.5 (±1.20)/10 with the intervention. Conclusions: The Kabat intervention integrated with facial expressive and functional exercises demonstrated significant improvement in impairments and functional level. Large effect sizes and high level of participants’ satisfaction indicated clinical relevance of the intervention.

Middle ear adenoma with facial palsy: A case report and a review of the literature

A 52-year-old man presented to our emergency department with an acute onset of right-sided facial nerve (FN) palsy of House-Brackmann grade V. Electroneurography (ENoG) was conducted with no response at the right FN, as compared with the left FN (0%). We performed a biopsy of the right middle ear mass and histological studies showed the tumor to be neuroendocrine tumors (NET) of the middle ear. We resected the tumor with canal wall down mastoidectomy and reconstructed the posterior meatal wall with soft tissue. Three months after surgery, the FN paralysis had improved with House-Brackmann grade II. We reviewed cases of NET with FN palsy, and nine patients, including our case, have been reported. Our case is the first report of ENoG for the description of FN palsy due to NET. Although the ENoG value was 0%, it was remarkably improved by surgery. The other cases of NET patients with FN palsy also recovered FN function after surgery. These results suggest that it is recommended to perform the total resection of the tumor to improve the FN function.

Facial Nerve Neurophysiologic Assessment in Vestibular Schwannoma Removal with Transcanal Approach: A Pilot Clinical Study

The transcanal transpromontorial approach has been introduced to remove vestibular schwannomas. As with other techniques, preservation of the facial nerve (FN) is challenging. This pilot study described FN outcomes of patients preoperatively and postoperatively assessed with electromyography (EMG) and blink reflex (BR). Between September 2017 and December 2018, 10 patients (5 men; 5 women; mean age, 59.8 years; age range, 25-77 years) underwent removal of vestibular schwannoma via the transcanal transpromontorial approach. FN assessment using EMG/BR and clinical evaluation with the House-Brackmann (HB) grading scale was performed preoperatively and 2 months postoperatively. If facial impairment was present postoperatively, further analysis was performed 6 months after surgery. All 10 patients had normal FN function on preoperative EMG/BR. After 2 months, 4 patients had normal FN function on EMG/BR, 4 patients showed a slight delay of FN responses, 1 patient had moderate dysfunction, and 1 patient had consistent damage. After 6 months, among the 6 patients with a pathologic neurophysiologic study, consistent EMG/BR improvement was shown, with complete recovery in 3 cases. At the last follow-up, 8 patients had HB grade I, 1 patient had HB grade II, and 1 patient had HB grade III in 1, showing progression toward healing in 9 of 10 cases. The transcanal transpromontorial approach is an effective procedure for vestibular schwannoma removal. EMG/BR represents an objective evaluation method to verify FN recovery after surgery and confirms the low impact of this surgical procedure on the FN.

Prognostic Factors for the Outcome of Translabyrinthine Surgery for Vestibular Schwannomas.

Objective:To identify predictors of tumor recurrence and postoperative facial nerve function after translabyrinthine surgery for unilateral vestibular schwannomas.Study Design:Retrospective study.Setting:Tertiary referral center.Patients:Between 1996 and 2017 a total of 596 patients with unilateral vestibular schwannoma underwent translabyrinthine surgery. Pre- and postoperative clinical status, radiological, and surgical findings were evaluated.Intervention(s):Translabyrinthine surgery.Main Outcome Measure(s):Potential predictors for tumor recurrence and facial nerve outcome were analyzed using Cox regression and ordinal logistic regression, respectively.Results:The extent of tumor removal was total in 32%, near-total in 58%, and subtotal in 10%. In 5.5% (33/596) of patients the tumor recurred. Subtotal tumor resection (p = 0.004, hazard ratios [HR] = 10.66), a young age (p = 0.008, HR = 0.96), and tumor progression preoperatively (p = 0.042, HR = 2.32) significantly increased the risk of recurrence, whereas tumor size or histologic composition did not. A good postoperative facial nerve function (House–Brackmann grade 1–2) was achieved in 85%. The risk of postoperative facial nerve paresis or paralysis increased with tumor size (p < 0.001, OR = 1.52), but was not associated with the extent of tumor removal, histologic composition, or patient demographics.Conclusions:Translabyrinthine surgery is an effective treatment for vestibular schwannoma, with a good local control rate and facial nerve outcome. The extent of tumor removal is a clinically relevant predictor for tumor recurrence, as are young patient age and preoperative tumor progression. A large preoperative tumor size is associated with a higher risk of postoperative facial nerve paresis or paralysis.