Prognosis prediction changes based on the timing of electroneurography after facial paralysis

Background: The process of determining the prognosis and subsequent facial nerve decompression has become an important factor in determining the patient’s quality of life. Aim: In this study, the prognosis of facial paralysis was verified in detail based on the timing of electroneurography (ENOG) and nerve conduction study (NCS). Materials and methods: The ENOG and NCS of 368 facial palsy patients were analyzed. House–Brackmann (HB) scale after 6 months was used as an outcome. For the ENOG, nasalis muscle/levator labii superioris alaeque nasi (NL), and orbicularis oculi (OO) muscle were used and NCS performed using temporal, zygomatic, and buccal branches. Results: ENOG at the OO performed 4–6 d after onset was ≤10% (p =.002, 10.0-fold) and showed unfavorable results (when the standard was ≥30%). In addition, the ENOG at the NL performed 13–15 d after onset was ≤10% (p =.001, 10.5-fold) and showed unfavorable results (when the standard was ≥30%). Conclusions: The results indicated that ENOG at the OO performed 4–6 d after onset and ENOG at the NL performed 13–15 d after onset had more prognostic value for the outcomes of acute peripheral facial palsy.