Peripheral congenital facial palsy: a rare case report

This is the authors' abstract. We don't add key points for this paper.

Background: Congenital facial nerve palsy is a rare condition that is typically associated with a traumatic birth event or manifests as a characteristic of a syndrome that necessitates a rehabilitation program. Objective: This report aims to present a rare case and its subsequent outcome after undergoing a rehabilitation program. Case: An eight-month-old infant presented with complaints of an asymmetrical mouth when crying and smiling since birth. The left eye was unable to fully close. No evidence of a syndrome was found. The results of the electromyography of the left facial nerve revealed the presence of partial axonal loss, axonal malfunction, or neuropathy. The patient was subjected to a comprehensive treatment plan, involving rehabilitation programs such as neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) and laser therapy over a period of 18 months. Discussion: It is important to determine if congenital facial palsy is a standalone condition or part of a broader syndrome. Rehabilitation programs, such as NMES and laser therapy, can stimulate the neurons and improve muscle weakness. The House-Brackmann scale demonstrated a clinical improvement, moving from grade V to grade II. With consistent physical therapy, the patient demonstrated improvements in facial expressions and eye closure. Conclusion: NMES and laser therapy, as well as facial massage and biofeedback, are potential treatments for congenital facial palsy due to their efficacy and favorable outcomes.