For FMEP Treatment Application
House-Brackmann Grading System
Posted on 2009-05-11 03:05:30
Facial paralysis can result from trauma, infection, congenital, metabolic, neoplastic, toxic, iatrogenic, or idiopathic etiologies.
Whatever the cause, the consequences for the patient can be devastating depending on the level of facial dysfunction. Several modalities exist to clinically rate the degree of facial function; including the widely used House-Brackman classification.
HOUSE-BRACKMANN Classification of Facial Function
GRADE |
CHARACTERISTICS |
---|---|
I. Normal | Normal facial function in all areas |
II. Mild Dysfunction |
Gross · Slight weakness noticeable on close inspection · May have slight synkinesis · At rest, normal symmetry and tone
Motion |
III. Moderate Dysfunction |
Gross
Motion |
IV. Moderately Severe Dysfunction |
Gross · Obvious weakness and/or disfiguring asymmetry · At rest, normal symmetry and tone
Motion |
V. Severe Dysfunction |
Gross · Only barely perceptible motion · At rest, asymmetry
Motion |
VI. Total Paralysis | No movement |
Source: http://www.facialparalysisinstitute.com/4/house_brackmann_grading_syste.html