Effectiveness of speech therapy in patients with facial paralysis after parotidectomy/Efetividade da fonoterapia em pacientes com paralisia facial pos-parotidectomia

• Published in: Revista CEFAC Vol. 17; no. 3; p. 984
• Main Authors: Miranda, Vanessa da Hora Machado, Scarpel, Renata D'Arc, Torres, Ana Catarina Moura, Agra, Ivan Marcelo Goncalves
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: Spanish
• Published: CEFAC - Associacao Institucional em Saude e Educacao 01-05-2015
• ISSN: 1516-1846
• DOI: 10.1590/1982-021620157314

The goal of this research was to verify the effectiveness of speech therapy in patients with facial paralysis due to the manipulation of the facial nerve performed during surgical treatment for cancer of the parotid gland, as well as identify and promote phoniatrics of changes as sucking, chewing and swallowing. This was a qualitative survey with descriptive analysis. The evaluation consisted of analysis of the patient's face at rest and at motion, photographic documentation, use of Digital Caliper for quantification of facial palsy in addition to evaluation and followed the particularities of each individual. Speech therapy was defined based on the findings of the evaluation and followed the needs of each individual. In the evaluation at rest after the speech therapist there was improvement in all aspects. In the valuation at move three patients showed 3 as lowest quote, that indicates clearer skins with increase in the number and death of wrinkles. In photographic record all patients had significant improvement in the movements evaluated, possible to observe an increase in expression lines and greater symmetry between hemifaces. The values of the incompetence of motion measured post speech therapy showed noticeable improvement in all measured points. Speech therapy proposed for cases of facial palsy after parotidectomy was effective for the improvement of facial mime, especially for changes in stomatognathic functions. It's important to stress the need for further studies involving a larger number of participants to ensure the reliability of the findings.