Evidence summary: facial nerve rehabilitationtraining management for patients with peripheral facial paralysis.

INTRODUCTION

This study aims to systematically identify, appraise, extract, and synthesize the available evidence on the management of facial nerve rehabilitation for patients with peripheral facial palsy, in order to inform clinical decision-making.

METHODS

Guided by the 5S evidence model, a top-down search strategy was employed. Literature was retrieved from clinical decision support systems, national and international guideline repositories, professional society websites, and relevant databases. The search encompassed publication types such as clinical decisions, evidence summaries, best practice recommendations, guidelines, expert consensus statements, and systematic reviews, with a timeframe from the inception of each database until November 2025. Two researchers independently performed the critical appraisal of the included studies. Subsequently, a team of four reviewers extracted and synthesized the evidence using a standardized data extraction form. The final body of best evidence was established through panel discussions.

RESULTS

A total of 17 articles were included, comprising 5 guidelines, 7 systematic reviews, 2 expert consensuses, and 3 Randomized Controlled Trials. Through analysis, 7 evidence themes and 31 pieces of best evidence were identified, covering: Team formation, rehabilitation training assessment, rehabilitation training protocol and key considerations, ocular care, psychological support, training monitoring and follow-up, health education. DISCUSSION: Whilst numerous rehabilitation schemes exist for peripheral facial palsy, clinicians should develop individualised management plans grounded in a comprehensive patient assessment. These regimens require continual refinement based on therapeutic response. Furthermore, an integrated care approach is imperative to prevent ocular complications and address psychological comorbidity, thereby enhancing adherence and improving overall quality of life.