NEUROPHYSIOLOGICAL PARAMETERS AS CRITERIA FOR EVALUATING PERSONALIZED REHABILITATION IN PATIENTS WITH HEMIFACIAL SPASM

Objective. To evaluate the dynamics of LSR parameters and surface electromyographic activity of the facial muscles in patients with hemifacial spasm undergoing individualized stepwise medical rehabilitation. Materials and Methods. A total of 96 patients with hemifacial spasm were divided into two groups: the main group (n=47) received standard therapy combined with a personalized rehabilitation program, while the comparison group (n=49) received standard therapy without the developed rehabilitation program. Neurophysiological assessment included registration of the lateral spread response (LSR/AMR) and surface electromyography (sEMG) of the facial muscles at baseline, after 3 months, and after 6 months. Results. In the main group, the frequency of LSR detection decreased from 91.5% at baseline to 42.6% at 3 months and to 48.9% at 6 months, whereas in the comparison group it changed from 89.8% to 59.2% and 71.4%, respectively (p=0.018). By month 6, LSR amplitude decreased by 57.3% in the main group and by 30.4% in the comparison group (p<0.001). Resting sEMG RMS decreased by 50.5% and 30.4%, respectively (p<0.001). Conclusion. The obtained results indicate that personalized rehabilitation is associated with a more pro­nounced and sustained reduction in pathological excitability of the facial nerve and background muscle activity.