Neuropsychological Principles of Rehabilitation Training in the Therapy of Patients with Facial Nerve Palsy

Abstract

The problem of restoring the motor pattern in patients with facial nerve palsy (FNP) is a complex medical problem. The basis of effective treatment and rehabilitation in this case is not only scientifically based medical recommendations, but the selection of methods of exercise therapy is of great importance, which implies the active participation of the patient in the therapy process. Currently, there are no generally accepted documents aimed at raising awareness about FNP and teaching the patient specific methods of rehabilitation. In the N.V. Sklifosovsky Research Institute for Emergency Medicine patients with FNP have been receiving medical care under the Face Clinic program for more than a year. In addition to the algorithm of diagnostic and therapeutic measures, patients are trained starting from the first appointment. Specialists of the Research Institute developed a six-step rehabilitation education program for patients with FNP, aimed at lifestyle correction, prevention of complications, and also directly at teaching methods of daily physical impact (rehabilitation) at home. Patients receive information about individual risks of development and methods for self-identification of certain complications of the disease. The project specialists prepared training materials. The system of assistance within the framework of the Face Clinic program provides the patient with the opportunity to receive feedback from the attending physician quickly. The program is based on the concepts of functional systems (according to P.K. Anokhin), the concept of N.A. Bernstein on the physiology of activity and the principles of the school of rehabilitation training and neuropsychological rehabilitation (A.R. Luria–L.S. Tsvetkova).

Keywords

• facial nerve palsy
• rehabilitation
• rehabilitation training
• exercise therapy