The age-related characteristics of neurophysiological and ultrasound parameters of the facial nerve in healthy children

Introduction. Neurophysiological methods, such as nerve conduction studies (NCS) and transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS), as well as nerve ultrasound (US), can be used to examine patients with facial neuropathy. Currently, normative instrumental facial parameters exist only for adults and have not been studied in children. We have provided age-related reference values for NCS, TMS and nerve US of the facial nerve in healthy children.

Objective. The determination of age-specific neurophysiological and ultrasound parameters of the facial nerve in healthy children.

Material and methods. NCS, TMS, and nerve US were used to examine 65 children aged 5 to 18 without neurological symptoms. In addition, the results of facial NCS in healthy children under 5 (n = 24) were analyzed retrospectively. Statistical analysis was processed with an assessment of normality of distribution and the use of parametric or nonparametric tests.

Results. An age-related increase in the amplitude of M-wave was revealed for m. nasalis and m. orbicularis oculi, as well as in the amplitude, the latency and the area of motor evoked potentials (MEP) for m. frontalis, m. orbicularis, and m. nasalis. According to nerve US, there were no significant differences in diameter and depth of the facial nerve between children aged 5–12 and 12–18.

Conclusion. The obtained normative parameters for facial NCS, TMS, and nerve US in children of different age groups can be used in both everyday clinical and research practices. 

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