Prognosis of patients with peripheral facial palsy

[Purpose] We analyzed the evaluation of facial motor paralysis employing Yanagihara's 40-point method for patients diagnosed with Bell's palsy, aiming to obtain some prognostic findings. [Subjects and Methods] The subjects were 33 patients diagnosed with Bell's palsy referred to us by the otorhinolaryngology outpatient clinic of our hospital. The onset age, timing of initiation of rehabilitation after onset, accessory symptoms, and facial motor paralysis were investigated. Facial motor paralysis was evaluated at the time of the first rehabilitation session and every 1-2 weeks thereafter. The scores were divided into upper and lower facial muscle groups. [Results] On the basis of outcome, patients were divided into 3 groups: the most favorable group, the favorable group, and the poor group. In the comparison of the 3 groups, the score of the first evaluation and the mean weekly score change were significantly greater in patients with favorable outcomes. In the comparison between the upper and lower facial muscles, the score for the upper facial muscles was significantly higher from the early phase, and the muscles recovered from paralysis more rapidly. [Conclusion] We evaluated facial motor paralysis of patients with peripheral facial palsy employing Yanagihara's method as a prognostic index, and obtained some prognostic findings.