[Clinical features, diagnosis, and treatment of facial nerve lesions in the practical work of otorhinolaryngologyst].

Surgical treatment of persistent facial nerve lesions is currently the sole efficacious method for restoration of the voluntary locomotary function of mimetic muscles. Treatment of facial nerve neuropathy of otogenic nature requires a combined approach with surgical revision of the middle ear as its indispensable component including examination of the intrapetrous segment of the facial nerve canal. Facial nerve conductivity and controllable locomotary function of mimetic muscles are possible to restore by anastomosing this nerve with another (donor) one at the earliest possible stages of paresis development. Special importance of remedial gymnastics and its combination with medicamentous treatment in the pre- and postoperative periods is emphasized.