The facial nerve was evaluated by electrical and magnetic stimulation in 20 normalcon-trols and 30 brain injured patients who had facial palsy clinically and participated in the rehabilitation program. The facial nerve injury was classified by central and peripheral types based on neurological examinations. Latency, amplitude, and peripheral, and central conduction time(PCT, CCT) were estimated by stylomastoidal, transcranial, and cortical stimulations.
The results were as follows;
1) At stylomastoidal, transcranial and cortical stimulations, there was no significant difference in mean latency and mean amplitude between both sides of the controls and intact side of the facial nerve injured groups.
2) At cortical stimulation, there was significant difference in mean latency and mean amplitude between involved side and intact side in the central facial nerve injured group.
3) At stylomatoidal, transcranial and cortical stimulations, there was significant difference in mean latency and mean amplitude between involved side and intact side in the peripheral facial nerve injured group.
4) There was significant difference in central conduction time between involved side and intact side in the central facial nerve injured group.
5) There was significant difference in central & peripheral conduction times between involved side and intact side in the peripheral injured subgroup that shows prolonged central conduction time beyond 2 standard deviation than that of controls.
6) There was significant difference in peripheral conduction time between involved side and intact side in the peripheral injured subgroup that shows prolonged central conduction time within 2 standard deviation than that of controls.
In conclusion, magnetic stimulation can be used for electrodiagnostic tests in differential diagnosis of central and peripheral facial nerve injuries.
