Application of Facial Nerve Block Technology in Facial Nerve Dysfunction Diseases Chinese Pain Expert Consensus

Background: Facial nerve dysfunction is divided into hypofunctional type (facial paralysis) and hyperfunctional type (hemifacial spasm and blepharospasm type of Major syndrome). Treatment of hemifacial spasm often requires surgical craniotomy and microvascular decompression, while severe Major syndrome requires expensive deep brain electrostimulation. Facial nerve block or radiofrequency ablation performed by the pain department is safer, more effective, convenient and economical to treat facial nerve dysfunction. Objective: To formulate an expert consensus on facial nerve block to better promote the homogeneous treatment technology of facial nerve block and radiofrequency ablation. Methods: Chinese pain experts in facial nerve block and radiofrequency treatment were organized to systematically review the anatomy and physiological functions of the facial nerve, sort out the clinical manifestations of facial nerve dysfunction, and reach expert consensus on the indications, contraindications, operating procedures, and prevention and treatment of related complications of facial nerve block and radiofrequency treatment based on the relevant literature and expert experience of facial nerve block and radiofrequency treatment. Conclusion: The consensus of Chinese pain experts on facial nerve block can provide a relatively authoritative and systematic guidance document for nerve block and radiofrequency treatment of facial nerve dysfunction diseases, so as to facilitate the better promotion and application of this technology.