Eye exercises for treatment of idiopathic cranial nerve VII paresis: pilot study.

BACKGROUND To determine if fine-motor eye exercises can be used for treatment of unilateral, idiopathic cranial nerve VII paresis to improve rate of recovery. METHODS In this prospective, randomized controlled trial, eligible patients were randomized to perform fine-motor eye exercises (n=18) or to do no exercise (n=9) for a period of four weeks. Orbicularis oculi muscle strength was measured in paretic and unaffected eyes at baseline, two weeks and four weeks using an Orbicularis Oculi Pressure Sensor. RESULTS The average initial strength of the paretic orbicularis oculi muscle was 34±10 mm Hg compared to the unaffected muscle which was 103±17 mm Hg at baseline (n=27). By four weeks, patients who performed eye exercises improved more than those who did not (74.4 versus 47.4 mm Hg, p=0.029). While there was some loss to follow-up, 63.8% of patients performing exercises (7/11) achieved functional recovery at four weeks compared to 12.5% (1/8) of those who did not (p=0.059). Steroids and antivirals were found to have independent positive effects on improving functional outcome. CONCLUSIONS Eye exercises have a potential role in the treatment of idiopathic cranial nerve VII paresis and warrant consideration in the management of these patients.