ANA Discussion Forum

Post-Treatment => Facial Issues => Topic started by: Boulder man on June 22, 2020, 08:07:06 pm

Title: Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation Device
Post by: Boulder man on June 22, 2020, 08:07:06 pm

Does anyone have experience with using an Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation Device for the reactivation of the facial nerve after surgery?

Title: Re: Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation Device
Post by: Cheryl R on June 23, 2020, 12:27:42 pm

Hello. Using electrical stimulation is a no no.     The facial nerve is a very slow healer.  The nerve has to heal before it can make the muscles work again.
Using the electrical can make the wrong muscles to work and cause synkinesis.      The wrong muscle then works with some activity of the face.
  It is not uncommon for it to take up to 18 mos to see improvement.          Not easy when wants it all to be back now,   
          Light massage is ok and heat pack when one feels tightening.                                  Cheryl R

Title: Re: Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation Device
Post by: Boulder man on June 24, 2020, 01:16:45 pm

Thank you, Cheryl. :)

Well, I am 7 weeks after surgery. The neurosurgeon now said he had no objections...

Title: Re: Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation Device
Post by: alabamajane on June 25, 2020, 08:37:12 am

Hi,
I agree with Cheryl,, I was told not to use any electrical stimulation also for the same reasons.
I was also told 12-18 mos for healing but saw slight improvements around 6 mos and well after 18 mos,,,
If there is one thing facial nerve damage will teach you, it is patience ,,, you can not rush early healing.
Good luck with it,,,
Jane