Evaluation of the Effectiveness of Virtual Reality Self-rehabilitation in the Treatment of Facial Paralysis and Synkinesis

Launched by CENTRE HOSPITALIER UNIVERSITAIRE, AMIENS · Sep 15, 2022

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

This clinical trial is studying the use of virtual reality (VR) technology to help patients recover from facial paralysis, a condition that can cause weakness or loss of movement in the face. Many people who recover from facial paralysis experience a problem called synkinesis, where the face has involuntary movements that can be uncomfortable or painful. The goal of this study is to see if using VR for self-rehabilitation can improve control over facial muscles and reduce these unwanted movements.

To participate in the trial, individuals must be at least 18 years old and have experienced facial paralysis within the last year that is considered moderate to severe. Participants will be guided through exercises using VR technology designed to help improve their facial muscle control. It’s important to note that certain individuals, such as those with other types of facial paralysis or those who have previously had specific treatments, may not be eligible for this study. Overall, this trial aims to explore a new and potentially effective way to help people regain function and comfort in their facial movements.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion Criteria:
• • Patient with recent onset peripheral facial palsy (≤ 12 months).
• • Patient with peripheral facial palsy of grade ≥ III on the House \& Brackmann score
• • Patient of legal age (≥ 18 years)
• • Patient with appropriate information and informed consent
• Exclusion Criteria:
• • Patient with central facial palsy
• • Patient with peripheral facial palsy of \> 12 months onset
• • Patient with peripheral facial palsy of grade \< III House \& Brackmann score
• • Patient who has previously undergone palliative surgery
• • Patient undergoing a botulinum toxin injection protocol
• • Patients benefiting from enhanced protection, i.e. minors, persons deprived of their liberty by a judicial or administrative decision, persons staying in a health or social institution, adults under legal protection, pregnant or breast-feeding women and patients in emergency situations
• • Patients who have not provided informed consent
• • Patients with cognitive disorders that do not allow them to follow the proposed self-education protocol
• • Blind or visually impaired patients (visual acuity of the better eye after correction ≤ 4/10)