[An experimental study on physiotherapy for traumatic facial nerve injury].

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the effects of electric stimulation, iontophoresis and electric stimulation with iontophoresis therapy in treating traumatic facial nerve injury.

METHODS

Fifty rabbits were used. All right buccal branch of facial nerve were injured. The rabbits were randomly divided into five groups and treated by different stimulation pattern: (a) electric stimulation group; (b) iontophoresis group; (c) iontophoresis with electric stimulation group; (d) routine therapy group; (e) control group. The histologic morphology, quantitative indices of nerve fibers and electroneurography(ENoG) indices were analyzed.

RESULTS

(a) Iontophoresis with Vitamin B1 and Vitamin B12 improved the regeneration of facial nerve myelin sheath. And had the best effect among these groups. (b) Electric stimulation had great effect on axon regeneration. (c) The group of electric stimulation with iontophoresis therapy had the best comprehensive effect on the nerve injury.

CONCLUSIONS

Both electric stimulation and iontophoresis have good effects on nerve regeneration, when they are used in combination, the best comprehensive effect will be expected.