Effect of botulinum toxin type A in functionality, synkinesis and quality of life in peripheral facial palsy sequelae.

[OBJECTIVES] This study aimed to assess the effects of botulinum toxin A (BTX-A) infiltration on face muscle function, synkinesis, and quality of life in patients with sequelae of peripheral facial palsy (PFP).

[MATERIAL AND METHODS] We present the results of a prospective study including a sample of 20 patients with sequelae of PFP (15 women, 5 men) who underwent BTX-A (Botox© or Xeomin©) infiltration. All patients had previously received personalised treatment with neuromuscular retraining. A clinical assessment was performed before BTX-A infiltration and 4 weeks after treatment. The effect of BTX-A on face muscle function, quality of life, and synkinesis was evaluated using the Sunnybrook Facial Grading System (SFGS), the Facial Clinimetric Evaluation (FaCE) questionnaire, and the Synkinesis Assessment Questionnaire (SAQ), respectively.

[RESULTS] Mean SFGS scores increased from 64.8 to 69.9 after BTX-A infiltration (P=.004). Increases were also observed in mean total FaCE scores (from 52.42 to 64.5; P<.001) and the mean score on the FaCE social function subscale (from 61.15 to 78.44; P<.001). Mean SAQ scores decreased from 46.22 to 37.55 after BTX-A infiltration (P=.001).

[CONCLUSIONS] BTX-A infiltration increases face muscle function, improves quality of life, and reduces synkinesis in patients with sequelae of PFP.