Early speech therapy intervention in a patient with facial paralysis after otomastoiditis

Facial palsy is a condition of frequent occurrence which affects the face and the facial expression. Amongst the possible etiologies it will be highlighted one uncommon occurrence, Otomastoiditis. Speech-language therapy starting early collaborates for the return of mobility and function of the muscles thus preventing muscle atrophy and minimizing synkinesis and contracture. The study objective was to rehabilitate a patient affected by facial paralysis after otomastoiditis with early intervention and describe the implementation and effectiveness of a proposal for differentiated and unusual therapeutic intervention. In the methodology we chose specific miofunctional exercises, audiological assessment and monitoring. The results, after nine weeks of follow-up, showed a significant improvement in the symmetry of the smile, adequacy of stomatognathic functions and presence of acoustic stapedial reflexes.

Audiology; Miofunctional Therapy; Facial Paralysis; Mastoiditis