House-Brackmann Score Research Articles

Physical therapy for idiopathic facial paralysis: A systematic review

PurposeIdiopathic facial paralysis is a challenging condition that can significantly impact patients' quality of life. Treatment options include both medical to surgical management. The objective is to further understand and review the current literature on the effectiveness of physical therapy for treatment of idiopathic facial paralysis. Materials and methodsMEDLINE, EMBASE, and Cochrane Library were searched. English-language studies assessing the outcomes of idiopathic facial paralysis in adults after completion of physical therapy were included for analysis. ResultsThis study screened 778 studies, of which 12 met inclusion criteria. There were 228 patients included for analysis. Four studies, contributing 79 patients, included sex and age demographics, with a breakdown of 45 females and 34 males with an average age of 49.4 years. Objective outcomes were most frequently measured by utilizing the Sunnybrook Facial Grading System, followed by House-Brackmann Score and Facial Disability Index. All studies highlighted the positive result physical therapy had on facial rehabilitation. ConclusionThe body of literature on physical therapy in treating idiopathic facial paralysis, although limited in size, strongly supports its use to accelerate recovery and minimize adverse outcomes. These findings suggest the addition of physical therapy in the management of patients with facial paralysis.

Compare the Effectiveness of Mime Therapy on Facial Synkinesis in Idiopathic and Traumatic Lower Motor Neuron Facial Palsy

Background: The seventh cranial nerve has a core function of regulating emotional displays and speech. Facial paralysis, characterized by the loss of voluntary motor control on one or both sides, is commonly attributed to Bell’s palsy which accounts for 50-75% of cases and trauma responsible for 10-23% of cases. Various rehabilitation methods, including Mime Therapy, are employed to enhance facial muscle function. Objective: This study aims to compare Mime Therapy's impact to reduce the synkinesis of a face in individuals with idiopathic and traumatic lower motor neuron facial nerve palsy. Study Design: Experimental, Comparative Study Study Setting: Physiotherapy OPD, Neurology ward, and ENT ward of Himalayan Hospital, Dehradun Participant: This study involved 30 patients, with 20 in Group A (Idiopathic) and 10 in Group B (Traumatic), all of whom had House-Brackmann Scores of 3-5. The patient’s ages ranged from 20 to 70. Outcome Measure: Two outcome measures were used: House Brackmann Score and Sunnybrook Facial Grading System. Result: A noticeable difference in both outcome measures was observed. In the House Brackmann Score for group A (p-value <0.001) and B (p-value=0.016), In Sunnybrook Facial Grading System for group A (p-value<0.001) and B (p-value=0.002). However, when comparing the post-intervention results of both groups, no distinct variation was found in the outcome variables (p-value>0.05). Conclusion: The study provides evidence demonstrating that Mime Therapy has been successful in effectively reducing Facial Synkinesis in patients with both idiopathic and traumatic LMN Facial Palsy. The results indicate a significant improvement in the condition, suggesting that Mime therapy can be an efficacious treatment approach for this type of facial paralysis. KEYWORDS: Mime Therapy, Facial Synkinesis, Idiopathic LMN Facial palsy, Traumatic LMN facial palsy, Bell’s palsy.

A Case Report of Korean Medicine in the Treatment of a Patient with Traumatic Facial Nerve Palsy Induced by a Traffic Accident

Objective: The aim of this case report was to present the effects of Korean medicine in the treatment of a patient with traumatic facial palsy induced by a traffic accident.Methods: A 35-year-old male patient was treated with pharmacopuncture (Shinbaro2), acupuncture, and Ansinjitong-tang over 35 days of hospitalization. Facial palsy was assessed using the House-Brackmann (HB) scale, Yanagihara score, and EuroQoL 5 Dimensions (EQ-5D).Results: After 35 days of treatment, the symptoms improved, as measured by HB (from 4 to 2), Yanagihara (from 16 to 34), and EQ-5D scores (from 0.405 to 0.913). Furthermore, there were no side effects during treatment compared with other types of pharmacopuncture or medicine.Conclusion: These results show that Korean medicine treatment may have a positive clinical effect in patients with traumatic facial palsy. However, further well-designed studies are required to confirm these findings.

The Impact of Tumor Elongation on Facial Nerve Outcome after Surgery for Koos Grade 3 and 4 Vestibular Schwannomas in the Semi-Sitting Position via the Retrosigmoid Approach.

Background: Facial nerve paralysis is a severe dysfunction after vestibular schwannoma (VS) surgery. Methods: This monocentric study analyzed 61 patients who underwent sporadic VS surgery in a standardized manner. The primary endpoint was the facial nerve outcome (FNO) at 3 months after VS surgery. FNO was dichotomized into "good" (House-Brackmann (HB) score ≤ 2) and "poor" (HB > 2). Results: Poor FNO was observed in 11 patients (18.0%) at 3 months after VS surgery. Radiomic tumor shape features were analyzed, and the AUC of elongation in the prediction of a poor HB at 3 months was 0.70 (95% CI: 0.56-0.85, p = 0.03) and the optimum threshold value (≤/>0.35) yielded a sensitivity and specificity of 64.0% and 75.4%, respectively. Multivariable logistic regression analyses considering the extent of resection (</≥93.4%), preoperative tumor volume (</≥2.6 cm3), age (</≥55), sex (female/male), and elongation (≤/>0.35) revealed that more elongated VSs (≤0.35; OR: 5.8; 95%CI: 1.2-28.2; p = 0.03) and those with an increased EoR (≥93.4%; OR: 6.5; 95%CI: 1.0-42.5; p = 0.05) are independently associated with poorer FNO at 3 months after surgery. Conclusions: Highly elongated VS shape seems to be a risk factor for worsened facial nerve outcome at 3 months after surgery for Koos grade 3 and 4 tumors.

The Effectiveness of Facial Neuromuscular Retraining on Patients with Facial Nerve Dysfunction: A Mental Health and Quality of Life Analysis.

Background: Facial muscle dysfunction can have drastic psychosocial effects. Objectives: To evaluate the impacts of customized neuromuscular retraining on mental health, quality of life (QoL), facial muscle function, and synkinesis. Methods: Thirty patients with facial nerve dysfunction completed a course of neuromuscular retraining. Patients' mental health, QoL, facial muscle function, and synkinesis were evaluated using Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9), Facial Clinimetric Evaluation (FaCE) scale, electronic, clinician-graded facial function scale (eFACE), and Synkinesis Assessment Questionnaire (SAQ) at the initial and final visits. Scores were compared before and after treatment. Results: Patients (n = 30) included had a mean age of 59.4 ± 13.4 years (range 32.3-82.8) and were mostly female (22/30, 73.3%). The most common etiology was Iatrogenic facial nerve paralysis (11/20, 36.7%). Most patients had postfacial paralysis synkinesis (15/30, 50%), while 10 had complete flaccid paralysis. The median house-Brackmann score was 2 (range 1-6). The mean duration of facial palsy was 39.5 ± 106.9 (range 1-576 months). The duration of follow-up after the initial treatment session was 5.5 months, including 10 sessions. After neuromuscular retraining median PHQ-9 scores improved from 5 (range 0-25) to 3 (range 0-20) (p = 0.002). Mean FaCE PROM scores increased from 47.7 ± 11.5 to 56.5 ± 8.8 (p = 0.001). The mean eFACE score increased from 55.8 ± 15.1 to 71.7 ± 13.6 (p < 0.001). Median SAQ score was lower at the final visit (34.6 ± 13.4) compared to the initial visit (47.7 ± 17.8; p < 0.001). Conclusion: Customized neuromuscular retraining may improve patient-reported mental health, QoL, and facial muscle function and reduce synkinesis in facial nerve dysfunction.

Subtotal resection of vestibular schwannoma with subsequent Gamma Knife irradiation - tumor growth control, facial and cochlear nerve outcome - preliminary results.

&lt;b&gt;Introduction:&lt;/b&gt; The choice of treatment of vestibular schwannoma (VS) depends on several factors, including the tumor size, the patient's age and overall health, and the presence and severity of symptoms.&lt;b&gt;Aim:&lt;/b&gt; The aim of the study was to assess the effectiveness of intentional subtotal resection (STR) of tumor followed by Gamma Knife surgery (GKS) in patients with larger VS (Koos 3 and 4).&lt;b&gt;Materials and methods:&lt;/b&gt; The retrospective analysis was performed on 18 patients. Data of VS volumes measured in MRI, the facial nerve function assessed in the House-Brackmann scoring system (HB), and the results of audiological examination expressed on the Gardner-Robertson scale (GR) were collected preoperatively, postoperatively, and post-GKS.&lt;b&gt;Results:&lt;/b&gt; Preoperatively, the main symptom was hearing loss observed in 13 out of 18 patients. The facial nerve function was assessed as HB 1 in 16, whereas HB 2 in 2 patients. The mean volume of the tumor in the initial MRI amounted to 16.81 cm&lt;sup&gt;3&lt;/sup&gt; . Postoperatively, the facial nerve was assessed as HB 1 or 2 in 16, whereas HB 3 in 2 patients. Serviceable hearing was presented by only 4 persons. The Mean diameter of the tumor after subtotal surgery amounted to 3.16 cm&lt;sup&gt;3&lt;/sup&gt; , 1.83 cm&lt;sup&gt;3&lt;/sup&gt; after GKS, and 1.58 cm&lt;sup&gt;3&lt;/sup&gt; at the last follow-up. The facial nerve function and hearing level remained the same as before GKS in all patients.&lt;b&gt;Conclusions:&lt;/b&gt; STR followed by GKS can be a safe and effective method of treatment of large VS concerning the functional outcome of the facial nerve and the tumor volume growth control.

New 3-D Technologies in Salivary Gland Surgery: The Exoscope-Assisted Surgery for Treatment of Benign Tumors of Parotid Gland.

New technologies are increasingly widespread in medical practice. Particularly, the 3D view is considered among the most useful innovations for surgery. It allows the operator to reconstruct the patient's anatomy in his own mind, going beyond his personal imagination. In the last few years, a new facility has been experienced, it's the Exoscopy. Exoscopy is a magnified vision system, similar to Microscopy, but which also allows a tridimensional vision of the surgical anatomy. Despite Exoscopy having been used for years in Neurosurgery, it has been just rarely described in parotid surgery. We intend to report our experience with Exoscope Aesculap AEOS used to remove benign tumors of the parotid gland. We treated 14 patients with benign tumors of the parotid gland, since September 2023 to November 2023. Each surgery was conducted by the same expert surgeon which also reported his experience about intra-operative complications (as bleeding) in comparison to the traditional procedure without Exoscope. We evaluated the learning curve of Exoscope-Assisted Parotid Surgery comparing, among them, the operative times of the same procedures performed in chronological order. Each patient underwent the same follow-up which included three checks at one month, three months and six months. The follow-up was especially about the evaluation of palsy of the VII C.N. which was assessed through House-Brackmann score (H-B score). The results of our experience reports that the Exoscope is a useful tool for parotid gland surgery. It allows an excellent visualization of the facial nerve main trunk and its branches. Although the first procedures presented longer times in comparison to traditional surgery, the progressive reduction of the operative times demonstrates that the learning curve of Exoscopy is very fast. Certainly, more experience is required for the full introduction of Exoscopy in surgery practice of parotid gland but, now, its potentialities are highly exciting.

Planned Subtotal Resection following Stereotactic Radiosurgery of Koos 3 and 4 Vestibular Schwannomas.

Background/Objectives: Surgical resection of medium to large vestibular schwannomas (VSs, Koos grade 3 and 4) is a widely used approach, although stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) is increasingly proposed as initial treatment. The quality of life-centered approach is challenged in cases where tumor growth control cannot be achieved with SRS, thus necessitating salvage surgery. We present a series of eight consecutive patients who required surgery due to continued tumor growth after SRS. Methods: Of the 146 patients with VS grades 3 and 4 initially treated with SRS, only eight patients (mean age, 54 ± 7.2 years; range, 42-63 years) required subsequent surgery. Their mean tumor volume was 9.9 ± 3.2 cm3. The mean time from SRS to first tumor progression and planned subtotal resection was 23 ± 5.9 months and 45 ± 17.5 months, respectively. SRS was not performed after the surgery in favor of a "wait and rescan" approach. Tumor residue was monitored on follow-up magnetic resonance imaging. In all patients, tumor growth control after planned subtotal resection was maintained at 63 ± 19.8 months. Results: None of the 146 patients had serious complications after SRS. In the eight patients who required surgery, tumor growth between 22% and 212% (mean, 4 cm3) was reported within 26 to 84 months after SRS. Before salvage surgery, they scored 1 point on the House-Brackmann scale. Subtotal excision was performed, and VIIth nerve function was preserved in all patients. At 63 ± 19.8 months, 3 patients had a House-Brackmann score of 1, four patients had a score of 2, and one patient had a score of 3. Conclusions: Surgical excision of medium to large VS after SRS can be relatively safe, provided that a quality of life-centered approach of subtotal resection is used.

Clinical analysis of transcranial facial nerve bridging with interpositional graft for the treatment of facial nerve injury

Objective:To retrospectively analyze the effectiveness of transcranial facial nerve bridging in the treatment of facial nerve dysfunction. Methods:A retrospective analysis was conducted on 27 patients with facial nerve dysfunction who underwent transcranial facial nerve bridging at the Eye, Ear, Nose, and Throat Hospital affiliated with Fudan University from 2017 to 2022. The main collected data includes the patient's age, gender, primary lesion, damaged location, interval from facial paralysis to surgery, and preoperative and postoperative House-Brackmann（HB） scale for facial nerve function. Statistical comparisons were made between the average HB level of patients before and after surgery. Results:A total of 27 patients included 17 males and 10 females. The average age of patients during surgery is（42.50±3.38） years old. Primary lateral skull base diseases include trauma（n=3）, tumors（n=22）, and infections（n=2）. The duration of facial paralysis varies from 6 months to 5 years. Statistics analysis has found that the average postoperative HB score of patients who underwent transcranial facial nerve bridging was significantly lower at（3.750 ± 0.183） compared to preoperative（4.875±0.168）. The proportion of patients with good facial nerve function increased significantly from 7.4% before surgery to 42.9% after surgery. Conclusion:Transcranial facial nerve bridging surgery with interpositional graft has a significant effect on improving facial nerve function in patients with facial nerve injury. Further research is still needed to evaluate the long-term effectiveness of this surgery, to determine the optimal patient selection criteria and postoperative rehabilitation strategies.

Modified Endaural Approach With a Peripheral Dissection of the Superficial Musculoaponeurotic System to Access the Temporomandibular Joint to Prevent Facial Nerve Injury.

The purpose of this study was to assess the effects of protecting the facial nerve with a modified endaural approach with a peripheral dissection of the superficial musculoaponeurotic system to access the temporomandibular joint which allows an excellent operative field of visualization, multiple surgical procedures of the temporomandibular joint, and general care which improves the immediate postoperative period, making this a less morbid surgery. This study included 33 patients (39 sides) who underwent surgical treatment for disorders of the temporomandibular joint from the years 2021 to 2023 at the maxillofacial department of the clinic "Colsanitas" located in Bogota, Colombia. Therapeutic results were evaluated by postoperative facial nerve injury, with the House-Brackman scale; every patient was examined for adequate facial musculature function immediately after surgery. Notably, zero patients presented facial nerve injury. These results imply that the modified endaural approach with a peripheral dissection of the superficial musculoaponeurotic system to access the temporomandibular joint reduces the incidence of facial nerve injuries, improves operative site exposure, and lowers the frequency of complications.

Refining the predictive value of preoperative apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) by whole-tumor analysis for facial nerve outcomes in vestibular schwannomas.

Apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) in MRI has been shown to correlate with postoperative House-Brackmann (HB) scores in patients with vestibular schwannoma despite limited methodology. To rectify limitations of single region of interest (ROI) sampling, we hypothesize that whole-tumor ADC histogram analysis will refine the predictive value of this preoperative biomarker related to postoperative facial nerve function. Of 155 patients who underwent resection of vestibular schwannoma (2014-2020), 125 patients were included with requisite clinical and radiographic data. After volumetric analysis and whole-tumor ADC histogram, regression tree analysis identified ADC cutoff for significant differences in HB grade. Outcomes were extent of resection, facial nerve function, hospital length of stay (LOS), and complications. Regression tree analysis defined three quantitative ADC groups (× 10-6 mm2/s) as high (> 2248.77; HB 1.7), mid (1468.44-2248.77; HB 3.1), and low (< 1468.44; HB 2.3) range (p 0.04). The mid-range ADC group had significantly worse postoperative HB scores and longer hospital LOS. Large tumor volume was independently predictive of lower rates of gross total resection (p <0.0001), higher postoperative HB score (p 0.002), higher rate of complications (p 0.04), and longer LOS (p 0.003). Whole-tumor histogram yielded a robust regression tree analysis that defined three ADC groups with significantly different facial nerve outcomes. This likely reflects tumor heterogeneity better than solid-tumor ROI sampling. Whole-tumor ADC warrants further study as a useful radiographic biomarker in patients with vestibular schwannoma who are considering surgical resection.

Assessment of Facial Function in Patients with Facial Palsy Using Patient-Based and Clinician-Based Tools

Facial palsy is a serious disorder that impairs both function and appearance resulting from facial muscle weakness. It impairs the quality of life of affected patients. There are questionnaires for general health and disease-specific assessments of quality of life accessible. Objective: To assess the facial function in patients with facial palsy using patient-based and clinician-based tools. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among patient diagnosed with facial palsy. The study sample size 79 of both genders calculated via Epitools software and using convenient sampling technique. A pre-tested structured valid and reliable tool was used for the assessment of disability and facial function via Facial Clinimetric Evaluation used as patient-based tool and House-Brackmann Scoring Scale used as clinical based tool. SPSS version 25.0 was used to analyze data. Results: The mean age of the participants was 27.53 years. 59.5% were males whereas, 40.5% were females. So, a higher prevalence of males was seen. 58.2% were recorded at grade IV (moderately severe), 31.6% were at grade III (moderate level) and 10.1% were at grade V (severe) level. There was statistically significant association between House-Brackmann scores and facial clinimetric evaluation scores (p&lt;0.001) that was indicating that there was an association between disability and patient’s perception towards facial palsy. Conclusions: Facial Clinimetric Evaluation scale used as patient-based tool provide subjective experience and functional limitation experienced by facial palsy patient while House-Brackmann Scoring Scale used as clinical based tool provides objective evaluation of facial function of facial palsy patient.

Brain metastases as the first clinical manifestation of prostate cancer: a case report

Background. Intracranial metastases, as the first clinical symptom of prostate cancer (PC), are extremely rare, with only anecdotal case reports in the literature.&#x0D; Aim. To present a case of multiple brain metastases (MCI) as the first clinical manifestation of PC with isolated facial nerve injury (FNI).&#x0D; Materials and methods. A 66-year-old patient with PC and multiple brain and bone metastases was observed.&#x0D; Results. The patient considered himself sick for 4 months when weakness in the left arm, headache, dizziness, facial asymmetry, staggering when walking, and memory loss appeared. He received non-surgical treatment prescribed by a neurologist. A clinical examination revealed a neurological deficit in the form of FN central palsy of grade 3 according to the House-Brackmann score. Magnetic resonance imaging of the brain showed masses in the right insular, left temporal lobes, and left cerebellar hemisphere of 3.7×3.3×2.9, 1.1×0.8 and 0.5×0.6 cm, respectively, with marked perifocal edema. According to the magnetic resonance imaging of the pelvis in the right half of the prostate gland, a tumor of 2.2×1.0×2.7 cm and PI-RADS 5 score was detected, and a metastatic lesion of the left ilium was found. Bone scintigraphy showed metastases in the thoracic and lumbar spine. A core biopsy of the prostate was performed. Histological and immunohistochemical studies revealed acinar adenocarcinoma with a Gleason score of 6 (3+3) points. The level of total prostate-specific antigen was 8.6 ng/mL. A final diagnosis was made: stage IV prostate cancer, T2aN0M1c, with brain and bone metastases. Given the neurological symptoms, radiation therapy was performed on the brain with a total radiation dose of 30 Gy, followed by androgen deprivation and monochemotherapy with docetaxel and bisphosphonates.&#x0D; Conclusion. Multiple brain lesions as the first clinical manifestation of PC are extremely rare. An isolated lesion of FN with neurological deficit in the form of central palsy indicates an advanced metastatic process. The primary method of treatment is palliative radiation therapy with a total radiation dose of 30 Gy, followed by androgen deprivation and chemotherapy.

Effect of Intratympanic Dexamethasone on Bell's palsy: A Clinical Trial.

The main objective of this study is to examine the hypothesis that intratympanic corticosteroids can benefit the treatment of Bell's palsy and shorten the period needed for recovery. This study was conducted prospectively using double-blind clinical trials. A total of 321 patients with acute unilateral facial paralysis were included in the survey, with 144 patients excluded due to exclusion criteria and 177 patients included. These patients were divided into an intervention group (54 patients) and a control group (123 patients). Prednisolone and acyclovir were given orally to both groups. Intratympanic dexamethasone was given to the intervention group as an additional treatment. Patients' House-Brackmann (H.B.) scores were recorded when they were visited three days, one week, three weeks, three months, and six months after receiving intratympanic dexamethasone. It was discovered that there was no significant difference in H.B. scores between the intervention and control groups. The first day of symptom improvement in the intervention group was 1.81 days after starting treatment, while it took 2.91 days in the control group, which is a significant difference. Intratympanic dexamethasone injection, in addition to the 10-day prednisolone-acyclovir therapy regimen, did not affect patients recovering from Bell's palsy in the short term (three weeks) or long term (six months) but is significantly effective in the first day of recovery as measured by the House-Brackmann scale.

The Inter-Relation of Objective Assessment of The Bell’s Palsy with House-Brackmann Score: A Prospective Study

Introduction: Bell’s palsy is the most common acute peripheral mononeuropathy, which leads to the partial or complete inability to voluntary movement of the facial muscles on the affected side of the face. The study aimed to evaluate the objective assessment of the Bell’s palsy with House-Brackmann score. Methods: This Observational, Prospective study was to be conducted at tertiary care hospital among from June 2022 to September 2022 on 11 patients diagnosed with Bell’s Palsy. A patient’s history includes age, sex, and clinical features. Assessments include facial nerve grading system such as House-Brackmann score, which was used to grade the facial nerve severity. Results: Out of 11 patients, 7 patients of Bell’s Palsy (63%) were reported with Grade IV of House- Brackmann score. The remaining patients were scored under Grade III and Grade V. Patients of age group from 9 to 75 were taken. Among them, age group of 9-40 years were 45% and 40- 80 years were 55%. The result shows that Grade IV is predominant over others, male and elder patients are leading over female and middle- aged patients. 63.7% patient’s clinical features were come under Grade IV of House- Brackmann score. 27.2% of patients had an increased risk of hypertension, 18.1% had Diabetes Mellitus, 18.1% had past history of CVA, 9% had past history of Seizure, and known history of Bell ’s palsy. Conclusion: Using the House-Brackmann grading system, the severity of the patient presenting with Bell’s palsy could be reliably predicted.

Acute Otitis Media and Facial Paralysis in Children: A Systemic Review and Proposal of an Operative Algorithm.

Fifteen studies published between 2000 and 2022 were selected, including 120 patients (62 M/58 F) with an average age of 4.96 years old (range = 4 months-16 years; SD: 4.2). The paralysis frequently has a sudden onset and is of a severe grade (medium House-Brackmann (HB) score at onset: 4.68; SD: 0.5); however, it tends to have an almost complete recovery in most patients (88.49% HB 1 at follow-up). Its first-line treatment must be based on the use of antibiotics (beta-lactam antibiotics as penicillins or cephalosporins). Corticosteroids should be used concomitantly for their anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective actions; however, there is no unanimity between authors about their application. Myringotomy, with or without ventilation tube insertion, is indicated in cases where the tympanic membrane is intact. Other kinds of surgery should be performed only in patients who have a worsening of their AOM symptoms or a worsening in HB score even with clinical treatment. The obtained data show that a conservative treatment can be sufficient for complete recovery in most patients, and it is preferred as the first-line therapy. Mastoidectomy should be performed only in patients with acute mastoiditis and without symptom improvement after a conservative approach. There are insufficient data in the current literature to provide clear selection criteria for patients who need to undergo mastoidectomy with facial nerve decompression. The choice of this treatment is based on an individual center expertise. Further studies are needed to clarify the role of corticosteroids and the role of facial nerve decompression in this clinical scenario.

The Significance of Bell's Palsy That Presents as Monocranial Versus Polycranial Neuropathy: A Case Series and Systematic Literature Review.

To investigate the effect of Bell's palsy (BP) presenting as polycranial neuropathy (PCN) compared with BP caused by isolated facial nerve (CNVII). We carried out a retrospective cohort study of the medical records of all consecutive patients who were diagnosed with BP at a single tertiary referral center between 2010 and 2017. Included were patients 18 years or older who were clinically diagnosed with BP and completed 7 days of systemic steroidal treatment and at least 6 months of follow-up. The patients were divided into two groups according to whether the BP derived from a monocranial neuropathy or a PCN. Demographics and BP severity and outcome were compared between these groups. A systematic literature review using Medline via "PubMed," "Embase," and "Web of Science" was conducted. In total, 321 patients with BP were enrolled. The median (interquartile range) age at presentation was 44 (33-60) years. Sex distribution showed male predominance of 57.6% (n = 185) versus 42.4% (n = 136), and 21.2% (n = 68) had PCN. The most concomitantly affected cranial nerve (CN) was the trigeminal (CNV; n = 32, 47%), followed by the glossopharyngeal nerve (CNIX; n = 14, 21%) and the audiovestibular nerve (CNVIII; n = 10, 15%). Age, House-Brackmann score on presentation, and diabetes mellitus (DM) were independent predictors for PCN etiology (p = 0.001, p = 0.034, and p < 0.001, respectively). Each increase in 1 year of age was associated with additional odds ratio (95% confidence interval) of 0.97 (0.95-0.99) for PCN. The odds ratio (95% confidence interval) associated with DM was 8.19 (4.02-16.70). Our systematic literature review identified 1,440 patients with the PCN type of BP. The most commonly affected CN was the trigeminus (25-48%), followed by the glossopharyngeal and audiovestibular nerves (2-19% and 0-43%, respectively). The severity of facial weakness on initial presentation among PCN patients was significantly higher compared with the monocranial neuropathy-type BP patients. The authors believe that the significant association and prevalence rate ratio between DM and PCN warrant that a patient presenting with PCN undergo screening for DM.

Repeat Surgery for Vestibular Schwannomas: An Institutional Case Series.

Introduction Vestibular schwannomas (VSs) are treated with microsurgery and/or radiosurgery. Repeat resection is rare, and few studies have reported postoperative outcomes. The objective of this study was to describe clinical characteristics and outcomes in patients undergoing repeat surgery for VS. Methods All adult (≥ 18 years) patients undergoing VS resection between 2003 and 2022 at our institution were retrospectively reviewed to identify patients who underwent repeat surgery of an ipsilateral VS following prior gross-total (GTR) or subtotal resection. Patient, radiographic, and clinical characteristics were reviewed. Primary outcomes were postoperative tumor volume, extent of resection, postoperative cranial nerve deficits, and time to further tumor progression. Results Of 102 patients undergoing VS resection, 6 (5.9%) had undergone repeat surgery. Median (range) follow-up was 20 (5-117) months. Three patients were female. Median age was 56 (36-60) years. Median pre- and postoperative tumor volumes were 8.2 (1.8-28.2) cm 3 and 0.4 (0-3.8) cm 3 . GTR was achieved in two patients. Four patients had higher House-Brackmann scores at last follow-up, but none had tumor progression. Conclusion In this small cohort of patients, repeat resection of recurrent or progressive VS can effectively reduce tumor volume with acceptable perioperative outcomes.

Treatment of idiopathic facial paralysis (Bell’s Palsy) and secondary facial paralysis with extracellular vesicles: a pilot safety study

BackgroundParalysis of the facial nerve (CN VII) is one of the most debilitating issues that any patient can encounter. Bell’s palsy is the most commonly seen mononeuropathy. Although usually self-limited, symptomatology can persist for decades in persistent cases. The non-surgical alternative therapies discussed in this study are successful without reconstruction and are regenerative.Objective and designWe sought to determine a safe new treatment could be developed to restore facial nerve function using extracellular vesicles (EVs) in patients who have been unable to return to normal under a variety of conditions. We performed a pilot safety study of 7 patients with idiopathic and secondary facial paralysis to determine if any functional restoration was possible. Each patient had symptomology for varying periods of time, with diverse House-Brackmann scores. They were all treated with the same protocol of extracellular vesicles (EVs) over a 4-week period of time and were evaluated both before and after treatment.Case presentationsAll patients in this study received treatment by their private physicians prior to entering the study. A record review was completed, with independent physical examinations. House-Brackmann scores and Facial Disability Indices were obtained prior to, and after completing the study. EVs were injected into the area of the main trunk of the facial nerve on the affected side, and an intravenous drip of EVs on visits during weeks 1, 2, and 4.ConclusionsAll seven patients enrolled in the study improved with this treatment protocol. After the second week of treatment, we saw a progression of independent motion of the affected eyelid, brow motion, and commissure. Although all patients began at different House-Brackman starting points, almost all ended at the same endpoint on the scale over the same period of time – four weeks. No adverse effects were encountered.Clearly, the duration of the treatment protocol needs to be longer than one month. The pathomechanism is still unknown. But it appears that the mechanism is reversible. At last, these patients can have hope.Trial registrationThe Institute of Regenerative and Cellular Medicine IRB approval number: IRCM-2021–304.

Anatomic Variants in the Anterior Inferior Cerebellar Artery Encountered During Resection of Vestibular Schwannomas.

Vestibular schwannomas (VS) are often phenotypically benign lesions that may be technically challenging to resect because of involvement of neurovascular structures. The anterior inferior cerebellar artery (AICA) is commonly identified near VS, with variable position in relation to the tumor; however, little published literature describes anatomic and pathologic variants of AICA observed during VS resection. A prospectively maintained cohort of surgically managed VS with available operative reports and clinical/radiographic follow-up was queried and reviewed for noted aberrations. We identified 66 cases with noted AICA abnormalities among 880 reviewer cases, including 20 loops extending into the internal auditory canal (2.3%), 18 arteries embedded in dura (2.0%), 15 AICA branches directly within VS (1.7%), 8 main trunk arteries coursing between cranial nerves 7 and 8 (0.9%), 3 arteries embedded in temporal bone (0.2%), 1 aneurysm (0.1%), and 1 artery bifurcating cranial nerve 6 (0.1%). The median age of AICA-variant patients was 55 years (range 19-74), and 29 were female (45%). Compared with the other AICA variants, tumors embedded with AICA tended to be larger lesions on maximal axial diameter (2.9 vs 1.6 cm; P = .006), they more commonly underwent less than total resection (73% vs 28%; P = .0001), and they had higher rates postoperative House-Brackmann scores >2 (47% vs 20%; P = .005). Two patients had radiographic and symptomatic postoperative cerebral ischemia or hemorrhage-1 from a bone-encased AICA and 1 from a dural embedded variant. Anatomic variants of AICA occur in approximately 7% of VS operations. Most aberrations do not affect surgical or clinical outcomes, and the rate of major vascular injury was low. However, certain types variably add operative time and in the case of AICA encasement in the tumor, likely indicate a more aggressive tumor phenotype with lower rates of gross total resection and high incidences of facial nerve weakness.