Evidence map›Paper›PMID 39852776›Full record

ArticleNeurology international2025

Analysis of Upper Facial Weakness in Central Facial Palsy Following Acute Ischemic Stroke.

Monton Wongwandee, Kantham Hongdusit

Abstract read
In one paragraph

Article in Neurology international, 2025. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Cited by 4 papers.

0numbers the graph read from it
0cells of the map it votes in
4citing papers in PubMed
–field-weighted citation impact
1 · What the graph read from it

What it found

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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.

2 · The registry

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3 · Its place in the literature

Who cites it

4 citing papers in PubMed.

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4 · The record

Corrections and comments

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5 · Who and what money

Authors and funding

2 authors.

Monton WongwandeeDepartment of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Srinakharinwirot University, Nakhon Nayok 26120, Thailand.
Kantham HongdusitDepartment of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Srinakharinwirot University, Nakhon Nayok 26120, Thailand.

Funding

Faculty of Medicine, Srinakharinwirot University, and H.R.H. Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn Medical Center 434/2564
6 · The paper itself

Abstract

backgroundCentral facial palsy (CFP), resulting from upper motor neuron lesions in the corticofacial pathway, is traditionally characterized by the sparing of the upper facial muscles. However, reports of upper facial weakness in CFP due to acute ischemic stroke have challenged this long-held assumption. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of upper facial weakness in CFP and identify its associated clinical factors.

methodsIn this cross-sectional study, we evaluated consecutive patients with acute ischemic stroke admitted to a university hospital in Thailand from January 2022 to June 2023. Full-face video recordings were analyzed using the Sunnybrook Facial Grading System. Upper facial weakness was defined as asymmetry in at least one upper facial expression. Multivariable logistic regression was performed to identify factors associated with upper facial weakness.

resultsOf 108 patients with acute ischemic stroke, 92 had CFP, and among these, 70 (76%) demonstrated upper facial weakness. Tight eye closure (force and wrinkle formation, both 42%) was the most sensitive indicator for detecting upper facial weakness. Greater stroke severity, as reflected by higher NIHSS scores (adjusted odds ratio [aOR], 1.42; 95% CI 1.07-1.88) and the presence of lower facial weakness (aOR, 6.56; 95% CI 1.85-23.29) were significantly associated with upper facial involvement. Although upper facial weakness was generally milder than lower facial weakness, its severity correlated with increasing lower facial asymmetry during movement.

conclusionsContrary to traditional teaching, upper facial weakness is common in CFP due to acute ischemic stroke. The severity of stroke and the presence of lower facial weakness are key predictors of upper facial involvement. These findings underscore the need for clinicians to reconsider the diagnostic paradigm, recognizing that upper facial weakness can occur in CFP. Enhanced awareness may improve diagnostic accuracy, inform treatment decisions, and ultimately lead to better patient outcomes.

Indexed as

acute ischemic strokecentral facial palsySunnybrook Facial Grading System

Identifiers

PMID39852776
PMCPMC11767383

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