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Facial Plast Surg 2024; 40(04): 407-417
DOI: 10.1055/s-0044-1779044
Original Article

A Combined Approach of Facial Neuromuscular Rehabilitation and Surgical Reconstruction in the Remediation of Facial Palsy: A Multidisciplinary Team Approach

Rebecca Kimber
1   Department of Speech and Language Therapy, National Hospital for Neurology and Neurosurgery, London, United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland
,
Anne Rodger
2   Department of Physiotherapy, National Hospital for Neurology and Neurosurgery, London, United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland
,
Rachel Higgins
2   Department of Physiotherapy, National Hospital for Neurology and Neurosurgery, London, United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland
,
Gerry Christofi
3   Department of Neurology and Rehabilitation, National Hospital for Neurology and Neurosurgery, London, United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland
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Abstract

Facial neuromuscular rehabilitation (fNMR) is an evidence-based practice for the treatment of peripheral facial palsy (PFP). Surgical reconstruction can be indicated for patients who demonstrate poor or no recovery to support symmetry, function, and aesthesis. There is paucity of research demonstrating the therapeutic benefit of a multidisciplinary team (MDT) in facial recovery of this specific subpopulation of patients. This article will outline the role of specialist facial therapy in the remediation of PFP, focusing on those who undergo surgical reconstruction to optimize their facial recovery. Case studies are used to demonstrate surgical and therapeutic outcomes as well as the results of a patient survey conducted for a service evaluation. We discuss the role of the MDT in supporting recovery as well as the role of targeted fNMR. The term fNMR is often used interchangeably with facial therapy or facial rehabilitation. We will refer to fNMR as a technique of facial rehabilitation.

We aim to demonstrate that an MDT approach to the treatment of people with facial palsy provides positive outcomes for this surgical population and that future research would be beneficial to support this service delivery model.

Keywords

facial palsy - neuromuscular retraining - facial therapy rehabilitation - surgical reconstruction - MDT


Publication History

Article published online:
29 January 2024

© 2024. Thieme. All rights reserved.

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