Functional Electrical Stimulation for Facial Muscles

Applying Functional Electrical Stimulation to Facial Muscles After Acute Paralysis

Partial or complete facial paralysis is the weakness of muscles of facial expression. Facial paralysis causes physical, social and emotional problems. Functional electrical stimulation (FES) for facial paralysis is a technique in which muscles are electrically stimulated, causing them to contract This study is designed to help patients with facial nerve weakness.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Patients experiencing unilateral facial nerve paralysis Brackmann 5/6 or 6/6.

Exclusion Criteria:

• History of epilepsy or seizures.
• Individuals with metal orthopedic implants in the mouth (e.g. plates or screws).
• Individuals suffering from fibromyalgia.
• Individuals currently receiving any form of transcranial brain stimulation (e.g. rTMS, ECT, or MST).