Normal and pathological mimic - a reevaluation

Introduction: Objective evaluation methods for facial nerve function are yet to be standardised. Unresolved issues include what should be measured for different facial movements and how these measurements should be performed. Methods: 5 facial mimics were analysed in nor-mal subjects and in patients with facial paralysis. For each mimic the best measurement was determined and two global indexes derived. Results: The best measurements were of sur faces close to the moving facial zone. These measurements and the global indexes correlated well with gradings by the House-Brack-mann scale.