Leprosy affects facial nerves in a scattered distribution from the main trunk to all peripheral branches and neurolysis improves muscle function of the face

Am J Trop Med Hyg. 2003 Jan;68(1):81-8.

Abstract

Current literature rejects nerve release in leprous facial neuropathy and states that lesions are restricted to the peripheral zygomatic branches. Since there are approximately 500,000 patients with this disease throughout the world, we wanted to clarify the precise location of facial nerve's affection and the benefit of neurolysis. Our study showed that in patients with leprosy, the facial nerve's main trunk, the peripheral zygomatic branches, and all other branches were affected. Follow-up showed improvement in lagophthalmos and in misreinnervation, with no improvement in the control cohort. Nerve release improves muscle function in leprous facial neuropathy, provided surgery is performed on all affected segments. Intraoperative electroneurodiagnostics is an effective tool for detecting the most proximal site of lesion and ensuring effective surgery.

Publication types

  • Clinical Trial
  • Controlled Clinical Trial
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Cohort Studies
  • Electric Stimulation
  • Electrophysiology
  • Facial Muscles / innervation
  • Facial Muscles / physiology*
  • Facial Nerve / pathology
  • Facial Nerve / physiopathology*
  • Facial Nerve / surgery
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Intraoperative Period
  • Leprosy, Borderline / pathology
  • Leprosy, Borderline / physiopathology*
  • Leprosy, Borderline / surgery
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Neural Conduction
  • Peripheral Nerves / pathology
  • Peripheral Nerves / surgery
  • Treatment Outcome