An index for paresis and defective healing--an easily applied method for objectively determining therapeutic results in facial paresis
Stennert, E.; Limberg, C.H.; Frentrup, K.P.
Hno 25(7): 238-245
1977
ISSN/ISBN: 0017-6192 PMID: 893151 Document Number: 116707
Residuals of facial paralysis consist of a great variety of cosmetic and functional anomalies which differ in quality and/or quantity. An internationally standardized evaluation of such defects is mandatory for the assessment of the results of different therapeutic procedures. In the present study, a system has been developed to record the results of facial paralysis following therapy. Such a system does not require specialized training, instrumentation or require significant time for completion. A clearly-defined "Yes-No" evaluation criteria is established which creates a high interscorer reliability. The usefulness of this scoring system was tested by three examiners on 42 patients following facial nerve surgery, with an obtained interscorer reliability of 93%.