| The Role of Blink Reflex in Predicting the Recovery of Facial Palsy |
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Received: 29 September 2017 • Revised: 30 December 2017 • Accepted: 19 January 2018 |
| Abstract |
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Objective: To determine whether blink reflex can be used as a prognosis test for Bell’s palsy and whether it can complement the limitations of electroneurography (ENoG) as a prognostic test for Bell’s palsy. Method: This retrospective study included 99 patients diagnosed with Bell’s palsy from August 2011 to January 2017. Findings of clinical examination of facial nerve function were recorded using the House-Brackmann scale at the initial visit and follow up examination was done at the second and third visit. Electrophysiological evaluations were performed using blink reflex and ENoG tests within one month of Bell’s palsy onset. Clinical data were analyzed using Student’s T- and Chi-square tests. Results: Acceptable left side R1, R2 and abnormal right side R2 latencies or abnormal left side R1, R2 and acceptable right side R2 latencies of the blink reflex and poor clinical recovery measured by the House-Brackmann grade of patients with Bell’s palsy showed a statistically significant correlation (p = 0.009). Likewise, in patients with an ENoG degeneration ratio less than 90%, Acceptable left side R1, R2 and abnormal right side R2 latencies or abnormal left side R1, R2 and acceptable right side R2 latencies of the blink reflex and poor clinical recovery from Bell’s palsy showed statistical significance (p = 0.015). Conclusion: Blink reflex could be a prognostic factor for clinical recovery in patients with Bell’s palsy. Furthermore, blink reflex could complement the limitations of ENoG as a prognostic test. |
| Key Words:
facial palsy, blink reflex, prognosis |
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