House-Brackmann grade

Neurology

Also known as: House-Brackmann-Klassifikation · Fazialisparese nach House-Brackmann · House-Brackmann sınıflaması · House-Brackmann facial nerve grading system

What it is for

House-Brackmann grade: overall facial nerve function in peripheral facial palsy, from grade I (normal) to grade VI (total paralysis).

Classification

CategoryDescription
Grade I - normalnormal symmetrical function in all areas.
Grade II - mild dysfunctionslight weakness on close inspection; complete eye closure with minimal effort; slight mouth asymmetry; possibly very slight synkinesis.
Grade III - moderate dysfunctionobvious but not disfiguring difference between sides; complete eye closure with effort; mouth slightly weak with maximum effort; noticeable synkinesis or spasm.
Grade IV - moderately severe dysfunctionobvious weakness and/or disfiguring asymmetry; no forehead movement; incomplete eye closure; asymmetric mouth with maximum effort.
Grade V - severe dysfunctiononly barely perceptible motion; incomplete eye closure; slight movement at the corner of the mouth.
Grade VI - total paralysisno movement.

Source

Facial nerve grading system

Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg 1985;93:146–147 (House JW, Brackmann DE)

DOI: 10.1177/019459988509300202

PMID: 3921901

Edition
House & Brackmann 1985 (grades I-VI)
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