Evidence map›Paper›PMID 41283498›Full record

ReviewAudiology research2025

Management of Facial Paralysis Following Skull Base Surgery: A Comprehensive Narrative Review.

Laura Maria De Luca, Sergio Cannova, Sebastiana Lai, Marco Accolla, Alice Barbazza, Lea Calò, Davide Rizzo, Pierangela Tramaloni, Marco Bonali, Ignacio Javier Fernandez and 1 more

Abstract readReview
In one paragraph

Review in Audiology research, 2025. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Cited by 1 paper.

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

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.

2 · The registry

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.

3 · Its place in the literature

Who cites it

1 citing paper in PubMed.

  1. Article
4 · The record

Corrections and comments

PubMed lists nothing against this paper. Absence here is not a guarantee, only a check that was made.

5 · Who and what money

Authors and funding

11 authors.

Laura Maria De LucaDivision of Otolaryngology, Azienda Ospedaliera Universitaria, 07100 Sassari, Italy.
Sergio CannovaDepartment of Medicine, Surgery and Pharmacy, University of Sassari, 07100 Sassari, Italy.
Sebastiana LaiDivision of Otolaryngology, Azienda Ospedaliera Universitaria, 07100 Sassari, Italy.ORCID 0009-0001-6800-9023
Marco AccollaDepartment of Medicine, Surgery and Pharmacy, University of Sassari, 07100 Sassari, Italy.
Alice BarbazzaOtolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery Division, Ravenna Hospital, Azienda Unità Sanitaria Locale della Romagna, 41121 Modena, Italy.
Lea CalòDivision of Otorhinolaryngology, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, 00168 Rome, Italy.ORCID 0000-0001-7820-3535
Davide RizzoDivision of Otolaryngology, Azienda Ospedaliera Universitaria, 07100 Sassari, Italy.
Pierangela TramaloniDivision of Otolaryngology, Azienda Ospedaliera Universitaria, 07100 Sassari, Italy.ORCID 0000-0001-9945-0658
Marco BonaliOtolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery Department, University Hospital of Modena, 41121 Modena, Italy.
Ignacio Javier FernandezOtolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery Division, Ravenna Hospital, Azienda Unità Sanitaria Locale della Romagna, 41121 Modena, Italy.ORCID 0000-0002-9120-6586
Francesco BussuDivision of Otolaryngology, Azienda Ospedaliera Universitaria, 07100 Sassari, Italy.ORCID 0000-0001-6261-2772

Funding

No grant is acknowledged in the PubMed record.

6 · The paper itself

Abstract

objectivesFacial paralysis is a devastating yet frequent complication of skull base surgery, significantly impacting quality of life through functional impairments and psychosocial consequences. Management is complex and requires an individualized approach based on duration of paralysis, etiology and extent of nerve injury, overall prognosis, and rehabilitative goals. This review provides a comprehensive overview of current strategies for managing post-skull base surgery facial paralysis.

methodsA narrative review of the literature was performed, analyzing surgical reanimation techniques (nerve grafting, nerve transfers, regional and free muscle transfers), static procedures for facial symmetry and ocular protection, and non-surgical interventions such as physical therapy, botulinum toxin injections, and psychological support. Key criteria guiding treatment selection, including muscle viability and timing since injury, were examined.

resultsDynamic surgical approaches remain central to restoring movement. Nerve grafting and transfers are effective when viable musculature is present, whereas regional or free muscle transfers are required in long-standing paralysis with irreversible atrophy. Static procedures provide adjunctive improvements in resting symmetry and eye protection. Non-surgical strategies, including rehabilitation therapy and botulinum toxin, enhance functional outcomes and reduce synkinesis. Psychological counseling addresses the profound emotional burden associated with facial disfigurement. Across modalities, individualized treatment planning is crucial.

conclusionsManagement of facial paralysis after skull base surgery demands a multidisciplinary, patient-centered approach. Combining surgical and non-surgical interventions optimizes functional and aesthetic outcomes, helping restore both facial movement and psychosocial well-being.

Indexed as

brainstem injuryfacial paralysisfacial reanimationhouse-brackmann scalemultidisciplinary approachnerve graftingneuromuscular retrainingphysical therapyskull base surgerysunnybrook facial grading system

Identifiers

PMID41283498
PMCPMC12641667

What OpenQuestion holds

Textmetadata
LicenceCC BY
Read underepoch 390

Registered trials

None linked

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.