Sensation of the face in patients with unilateral facial nerve palsy

Facial nerve palsy is a peripheral nerve dysfunction causing ipsilateral facial
muscle weakness or even (temporary) loss of function. Some patients have
described changes in facial sensation during and after their facial palsy,
ranging from hyperesthesia and numbness, to altered temperature sensation or
even pain. Few studies have evaluated facial sensation during facial palsy and
the existing studies are cross-sectional and have measured only static
pressure/touch and two-point discrimination, without assessing moving touch and
hot/cold temperature. Besides influencing sensation, a facial nerve palsy can
have a significant impact on patient*s mood and quality of life (QoL).

The primary objective of our study is to evaluate sensation (static/moving
pressure/touch, hot/cold temperature and pain threshold) of the face in
patients with unilateral facial nerve palsy and compare the sensation of the
affected side to the non-affected side. Besides, we want to compare sensation
of the face between patients with synkinesis after facial palsy and patients
with hemifacial spasms due to a neurovascular conflict
The secondary objectives of our study are to evaluate the change in sensation
of the face at the beginning and during recovery of facial nerve palsy, to
measure QoL by use of the newly developed Paralysis module of the FACE-Q, and
to investigate a possible correlation between the course of the facial palsy en
sensation of the face. Eventually, we would like to further investigate the
relationship between the (largely) motor facial nerve and the (largely)
sensible trigeminal nerve. The connection and relationship between the two
cranial nerves might play an important role in the development of synkinesis
and is therefore important to evaluate and gain more knowledge on.

A prospective cohort study conducted in the Maastricht University Medical
Centre (MUMC+).

Participation is voluntarily. Participants can withdraw at any time during the
study without further consequences. There are no direct risks associated with
participation, as the measurements for the study are non-invasive, harmless,
and not painful. Patients may experience extra follow-up visits as beneficial
and results collected during the study could potentially increase insight in
the pathophysiology of facial nerve paralysis.