Observation

In the first 3 months post injury, the patient is recalled and evaluated regularly for any sign of facial nerve recovery.

EMG may be used for baseline evaluation and monitoring after three months in order to indicate nerve recovery.

The degree of recovery should be evaluated at 3 months.

• No recovery: exploration should be considered.
• Some recovery: the patient should be re-evaluated after another 3 months. If no further recovery at 6 months, exploration and treatment options for muscle salvage should be considered.

If and when exploration is indicated, treatment options may be direct nerve repair or interpositional nerve graft.

The degree of recovery should be evaluated at 6 months.

• No recovery: exploration should be considered.
• Some recovery: the patient should be re-evaluated after another 3 months. If no further recovery at 9 months, exploration should be considered.

If and when exploration is indicated, treatment options may be direct nerve repair or interpositional nerve graft.