안면 신경 마비의 치료와 재활

Treatment and rehabilitation of facial nerve injury

Facial nerve palsy is loss of facial movement caused by facial nerve damage. Facial muscles become weak or droop, and facial asymmetry is exaggerated on expression. Facial nerve is susceptible to injuries due to relatively long and convoluted pathway. A variety of factors can cause facial nerve palsy such as infection, trauma, sequelae following cancer surgery, or congenital problems. Bell’s palsy is known to be the most common cause of unilateral facial nerve palsy, although its actual cause still remains unknown. A thorough medical history taking and a full physical examination are first steps in making decision and designing treatment plans. There are many treatment options for facial nerve palsy, so it is important to assess the remnant function of facial expression muscles, and to make an appropriate treatment method for each individual. Also, a comprehensive customized approach should be taken to meet the patient’s physical, emotional, and psychosocial needs.