Prognostic value of electrophysiology in peripheral facial paralysis

Objective To assess the prognostic value and the correlations among facial nerve electrogram( ENoG),F waves and Blink Relfex( BR) in early stage of peripheral facial paralysis. Methods Thirty-one patients with peripheral facial paralysis within three weeks from initial attack of this disease tested by using ENoG,F wave and BF were followed up from six months to two years. Abnormality of F wave,or BR,or EnoG ≥90% was used as diagnostic threshold,respectively. The accuracy of the three methods and the correlations among the three methods for predicting the prognosis of peripheral facial paralysis were evaluated,respectively. Results Three methods may all correctly reflect the prognosis of peripheral facial paralysis. Abnormality of F wave,or BR,or ENoG≥90% all suggested the poor prognosis of peripheral facial paralysis. Pearson analysis showed that there were correlations between the results of F wave and BR( r =0. 674,P 0. 01),between the results of ENoG and BR( r = 0. 445,P 0. 05),but there was no correlation between the results of ENoG and F wave( r = 0. 251,P 0. 05). Conclusions Comprehensive analysis of different electrophysiological examinations may correctly judge the prognosis of peripheral facial paralysis at early stage.