Utilizing a Mobile Electrode (PEN) for Functional Electrical Stimulation (FES) to Treat Facial Paralysis Caused by a Brain Injury - A Case Study

Abstract

This research is a case study that evaluated the therapeutic efficacy of Functional Electrical Stimulation (FES) associated with the method of Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation (PNF) in a patient with central facial paralysis caused by brain damage resulting from brain anoxia. The treatment involved the application of Orofacial Regulation Therapy, associated with physical therapy using a pen-shaped electrode whith an FES current. The treatment was administered for a period of one year and involved two weekly 15 minute sessions. The stimuli were performed with modulated current at a frequency of 60 hertz, pulse width of 300 miliseconds, rise of four (4) seconds, decay of four (4) seconds, time ON of one (1) second, time OFF of five (5) seconds, in trapezoidal pulses (forming a mini cycle of 14 seconds with 30 pulses) at an intensity level measured according to the patient’s sensitivity, associated with the PNF method. The mobile pen-shaped electrode was positioned at precise points on the paralyzed muscles of the face, and the fixedelectrode was positioned on the Deltoid muscle. There was satisfactory rehabilitation of muscles in the left hemiface and acquired improvement in the oral consumption of the bolus. The symmetry of the face was also enhanced, along with facial expressions and connotation measuring four (4) on the Chevalier scale.