Importance of facial expression in facial nerve rehabilitation.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: This review discusses contemporary evidence for the importance of facial expression to human beings. Strategies for management of patients with facial nerve dysfunction are discussed.

RECENT FINDINGS: The purpose of facial expression from a cognitive neuroscience perspective has become clearer, including its role in emotional communication and identification. Facial retraining may have a role in rehabilitation.

SUMMARY: Greater awareness of the biologic basis for facial expression may lead us to pay increased attention to evaluation and treatment of this component of facial nerve dysfunction. The timing of intervention remains important, and many effective techniques exist.