Abstract
Paralysis of the facial nerve is a cause of considerable functional and aesthetic disfigurement. Damage to the upper trunk can result in eye complications with the risk of exposure keratitis. Numerous factors influence the therapeutic strategy: the cause of the injury, the time elapsed since injury, functional impairment, and the likelihood of recovery. We discuss the management of an acute injury to the facial nerve and focus on the surgical options.
Keywords:
Facial nerve; Injury; Repair; Review.
Copyright © 2013 The British Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
MeSH terms
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Anastomosis, Surgical / methods
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Calcium Channel Blockers / therapeutic use
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Cranial Nerves / transplantation
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Facial Nerve Injuries / etiology
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Facial Nerve Injuries / physiopathology
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Facial Nerve Injuries / surgery*
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Facial Paralysis / etiology
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Facial Paralysis / physiopathology
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Facial Paralysis / surgery*
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Humans
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Microsurgery / methods
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Nerve Transfer / methods
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Neurosurgical Procedures / methods
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Nimodipine / therapeutic use
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Patient Care Planning
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Plastic Surgery Procedures / methods
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Protective Agents / therapeutic use
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Recovery of Function / physiology
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Skull Fractures / complications
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Time Factors
Substances
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Calcium Channel Blockers
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Protective Agents
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Nimodipine