Facial nerve and branch dysfunction in leprosy - a study from India

Objective Involvement of the facial nerve in leprosy can result debilitating features, including blindness. Electrophysiological studies addressing abnormalities along with its branches are limited. This study was designed to assess prevalence and pattern clinical subclinical involvement patients active disease. Methods A hospital-based cross-sectional done 75 who had leprosy. The were examined clinically assessed electro-physiologically conduction (NCS), F wave, blink reflex synkinesis. Results 64/75 (85%) involvement, whom 58 involvement. detected by electrophysiology 6 palsy. 83% belonged borderline spectrum (27-BL, 21-BT), 23 (48%) reactional states (T2R-12, T1R-11). Patients lesions showed significant association (p = 0.035) or marginal mandibular branch most commonly affected (50%) those while palsy, trunk (50%). 12/58 (21%) 5/6 palsy an abnormal reflex. Abnormal wave observed 7/42 (17%), (4 subclinical/3 palsy). Conclusion changes nerve, without signs common among about half being states. We know that many institutions may not have equipment conduct studies, but higher incidence underscores need monitor autonomic functions closely.