Effect of Neuromuscular Facilitation Training in Pediatric Facial Palsy

Abstract

Background: Facial palsy in paediatrics is very rare, and it doesn’t have any identifiable cause. Usually, exercises, massage, and taping are suggested. Since it is one of the rarest conditions and there is no optimal treatment recommended. The purpose of the study is to identify the effect of neuromuscular facilitation training in paediatric facial palsy. Methodology: This is a Case series done with five children with facial palsy, and all underwent neuromuscular facilitation training and video-guided exercises. All patients were managed with conventional physiotherapy which includes, massage and facial movements. The conventional treatment was given for five days. Since the lockdown was proposed due to Covid 19, the parents and the children were called and taught neuromuscular facilitation training to the parents; along with that, and a handout was also given to them. The video call was made to the parent by the therapist and did exercises video-assisted. The initial two weeks it was video-guided, and later, the parents were doing the exercises, and the therapist monitored them through video. The improvement was measured using the House-Brackmann scale. Result; Three males and two female children were involved with an average of 6.2 years, and the duration of the symptoms is five days on average. On application of the neuromuscular facilitation training, a significant difference was obtained, and all the children become normal at 7th week. Conclusion: Neuromuscular facilitation training plays an essential role in stimulating the weakened facial muscles by the principle of irradiation. It shows better than traditional therapy in paediatric facial palsy.