Objective: To determine the utility of treating facial palsy with mirror book therapy in conjunction with facial physical rehabilitation.
Methods: We randomly selected and reviewed the charts of 25 patients with idiopathic facial palsy. 10 of these patients received facial physical rehabilitation including manual therapy and postural exercises. 15 of these patients received mirror book therapy in conjunction with standard facial rehabilitation. Before and after treatment, patients in both groups were rated using the Facial Grading System (FGS) score, the Facial Disability Index--Physical (FDIP) score, and the Facial Disability Index--Social (FDIS) score. Differences in response to therapy were analyzed.
Results: Patients in the facial physical rehabilitation group without mirror book therapy group showed on average a 20.8% increase in the FGS score, a 19% increase in the FDIP score, and a 14.6% increase in the FDIS score. Patients in the mirror book therapy group showed an average of 24.9% increase in the Facial Grading System (FGS) score, a 21.6% increase in the Facial Disability Index--Physical (FDIP) score, and a 24.5% increase in the Facial Disability Index--Social (FDIS) score.
Conclusion: The addition of mirror book therapy to standard facial rehabilitation treatments does significantly improve outcomes in the treatment of idiopathic facial palsy.