[ XXXX for rehabilitation of the paralyzed face (author's transl)].

@entity1 @entity6256 @entity5 @entity254 @entity194 @entity8408 @entity3541
Ten @entity1 with unilateral @entity3541 had been treated by @entity6256 in the years 1971-1979. The proximal part of the facial nerve inside the petrous bone and at the inner ear entrance had been destroyed by @entity5 or accident without chance for repair. Therefore the hypoglossal nerve had been used to contact the intact main tunk and its intact peripheral nerve and mimic muscle system. 3 to 4 epineural nerve sutures had been placed with 8/0 vicryl suture material for approximation. In one @entity1 @entity254 could be obtained by splitting the hypoglossal nerve with remarkable result to the mimic function, while the muscular @entity194 of the tongue was minimal. With regard to the results the achieved mimic reinnervation took place in 3,5 to 5 months, but was found to be refined up to 2 years. Oral discomfort, swallowing, and @entity8408 lasted 2 1/2 to 6 weeks postoperatively, depending upon the age and the @entity1 mental activity, since the @entity1 has to learn by using his tongue for mimical expressions. The final result obtained a balanced closure of the mouth and eyes, a complete movement of the lips and cheeks, a rarely delayed innervation of the frontal muscles. Due to reinnervation the denervated half of the tongue had developed a marked increase of activity from nerve fiber ingrowth of the intact side. The @entity1 finally feels little to complain about the favourable facial result.
