Preface

Facial nerve palsy is frequently encountered by physicians in outpatient departments. In the post-COVID era, there has been a surge in the number of patients presenting with this common condition. While it is extremely important to identify clinical cues indicating the need for further investigation, a good clinical sense, and knowledge of the causes, can avoid unnecessary investigations and spare patients both cost and anxiety.

This book aims to improve understanding of facial paralysis, its early diagnosis and prompt medical management for physicians, neurologists, postgraduate medical students in medicine and neurology, and physiotherapists. The expression 'time is brain', understood by neurologists and physicians worldwide, acknowledges the importance of early intervention.

In "Medical System to Evaluate the Seventh Cranial Nerve through the Main Facial Mimic Muscles", Martınez-Angeles et al. suggest a novel system for quantifying muscle activity and displaying differential information from both hemifaces.

A multidisciplinary team approach is essential when there is no prospect of further recovery of facial nerve function. Synkinesis and facial spasm are uncommon sequels in partially recovered patients. Mingazova et al., in their article "Comprehensive Rehabilitation of Patients with Facial Expression Asymmetry and Synkinesis with Botulinum Toxin Type A and Monofilament Mesothreads", propose a novel rehabilitation technique that uses botulinum toxin in hypertonic muscles on the healthy side. Facial deformity with impaired function is a sequel in some of the patients.

In their article, "Reanimation of Mouth Corner with Free Gracilis Muscle Flap", Nasir and Cirak successfully employ one session of partial thickness free gracilis muscle flap with innervations from the masseter nerve.

Cheng et al., in "Management of Bell's Palsy with Phototherapy", suggest phototherapy as a safe and promising treatment in conjunction with standard medication. They emphasize that the use of early phototherapy during the acute and subacute stages of the illness is more effective than during the chronic stage.

> **Dr. Pratap Sanchetee, DM (Neurology)** Consultant Neurologist, Sanchetee Hospital, Jodhpur, India
