SynthesisActa neurologica Belgica2024
Beyond the smile: a systematic review of diagnostic tools for peripheral facial paralysis.
Synthesis in Acta neurologica Belgica, 2024. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Cited by 6 papers.
What it found
Each row is one number read from the abstract, on the scale the paper reported it, with its interval. Left of the dashed line favours the treatment, right favours the comparator. Under each row is the sentence it came from. New to these charts? A ten-minute tutorial.
The abstract states no effect estimate the extractor could read, or names no intervention and outcome on the map, so this paper lights no cell and moves no belief. It is still indexed, cited and linked below.
The trial behind it
Trials whose registry record cites this paper, or whose number appears in the abstract. A trial that started after this paper was published is citing it as background, not reporting it.
Neither the registry nor the abstract names a trial number. If this is a trial report, that itself is worth knowing.
Who cites it
6 citing papers in PubMed.
- Real-Time, Objective Assessment of Facial Paralysis Using a Mobile Tool (FaceADE): Feasibility Case-Control Study.JMIR formative research · 2026Article
- Procedural-Based Contemporary Management of Bell's Palsy Long-Term Sequelae: A Narrative Review.Otolaryngology--head and neck surgery : official journal of American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery · 2026Review
- Deep learning-based automatic facial symmetry scoring in peripheral facial palsy.Scientific reports · 2025Article
- Evaluation of nerve function after Bell's palsy based on different facial nerve assessment scales HBGS/SFGS/MPS: A comparative study.PloS one · 2025Article
- Knowledge and Attitude Towards Bell's Palsy Rehabilitation Among Physical Therapists in Saudi Arabia: A Cross-Sectional Study.Risk management and healthcare policy · 2024Article
- Predicting Early Treatment Effectiveness in Bell's Palsy Using Machine Learning: A Focus on Corticosteroids and Antivirals.International journal of general medicine · 2024Article
Corrections and comments
PubMed lists nothing against this paper. Absence here is not a guarantee, only a check that was made.
Authors and funding
3 authors.
Funding
No grant is acknowledged in the PubMed record.
Abstract
backgroundEffective rehabilitation of peripheral facial paralysis (PFP) requires reliable assessment tools. This systematic review aimed to identify and validate instruments used in PFP rehabilitation, categorizing them according to the ICF framework.
methodsA comprehensive search was conducted across PubMed, Cinahl, Web of Science, and Scopus up to April 2024. Observational analytical studies and one non-randomized controlled trial that validated tools for assessing PFP were included.
resultsThirty-three studies were included, covering twenty different tools. Seventeen tools were related to the "Structure and Function" domain, while three addressed "Activity and Participation." The Sunnybrook and House-Brackmann scales were the most extensively studied. The Sunnybrook scale exhibited excellent intra- and inter-rater reproducibility and internal validity, making it suitable for clinical use. The House-Brackmann scale was user-friendly but had limitations in reproducibility and sensitivity to subtle differences, which newer versions like the FNGS 2.0 aimed to address. The FAME scale showed promise by reducing subjective scoring. Computerized tools, such as eFACE and A-FPG, and instruments for lip asymmetry and ocular involvement demonstrated potential but require further validation. The Facial Disability Index and the FaCE Scale were validated for assessing disability and participation restrictions.
conclusionThis review identified several validated tools for PFP assessment, with the Sunnybrook and House-Brackmann scales being the most reliable. While emerging tools and computerized programs show promise, they need further validation for routine clinical use. Integrating validated tools into clinical practice is essential for comprehensive assessment and effective rehabilitation of PFP.
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Registered trials
Read under generation 80e0d062 · epoch 390. Bibliography from PubMed, PubMed Central and OpenAlex; grants from NIH RePORTER; trial links from ClinicalTrials.gov; estimates, votes and beliefs from the OpenQuestion graph.