Efficacy of Tape Feedback Therapy on Synkinesis Following Severe Peripheral Facial Nerve Palsy

Background: Mirror feedback rehabilitation is effective in preventing the development of oro-ocular synkinesis following severe facial palsy. However, we do not have effective maneuvers to prevent the deterioration of oculo-oral synkinesis. We developed a new method of biofeedback rehabilitation using tape for the prevention of oculo-oral synkinesis. Objective: The aim of the present study was to investigate the efficacy of taping feedback rehabilitation. Methods: Twelve consecutive patients with peripheral facial nerve palsy who developed synkinesis were divided into 2 groups. Six patients were treated with the new training method, and the remaining 6 patients were treated with conventional therapy as controls. In the experiment group, tape was placed around the mouth, and the patient was instructed to close the eyes so that no movements of the mouth would be perceived from sensations of the taped skin. After 4 weeks of training, facial movements were recorded and movie images were graded for mouth synkinesis using the revised Sunnybrook facial grading system by examiners blinded to patient grouping. Results: Mouth corner contraction during eye closure was significantly weaker in the experimental group than in the control group. Conclusions: Our new feedback method could help prevent the deterioration of oculo-oral synkinesis.