[Submandibular secretion in the clinical evaluation of peripheral paralysis of the facial nerve].

In 157 patients with different forms of peripheral lesions of the facial nerve the volume of submandibular secretion has been continually estimated a year following their onset and it has been analysed in the direct correlation with the degree of motor insufficiency. It has been found that a satisfactory recovery of the motor nerve function can be expected if the volume of secretion has been over 40% at the onset of paralysis. The patients with lower values, especially below 20% most frequently have had a prolonged and incomplete recovery of the motor function followed by stoppage in restitution of secretion. A significant number of patients with values of the secretion over 50% have been recovered within 6 months and for the final recovery of paralysis with lower values of secretion a year and more has been necessary. The results and their clinical aspect have been analysed from the standpoints of the definite anatomic, physiologic and etiopathogenetic characteristics of dual innervation of the facial nerve.