[Normal and pathological facial mimicry: objective analysis].

Introduction: Objective evaluation methods for facial nerve function are yet to be standardised. Unresolved issues include what should be measured for different facial movements and how these measurements should be performed.

Methods: 5 facial mimics were analysed in normal subjects and in patients with facial paralysis. For each mimic the best measurement was determined and two global indexes derived.

Results: The best measurements were of surfaces close to the moving facial zone. These measurements and the global indexes correlated well with gradings by the House-Brackmann scale.