Restor Neurol Neuros
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Restor Neurol Neuros · Jan 2009
Manual stimulation, but not acute electrical stimulation prior to reconstructive surgery, improves functional recovery after facial nerve injury in rats.
The outcome of peripheral nerve injuries requiring surgical repair is poor. Recent work suggested that electrical stimulation (ES) of the proximal nerve stump to produce repeated discharges of the parent motoneurons for one hour could be a beneficial therapy if delivered immediately prior to reconstructive surgery of mixed peripheral nerves. ⋯ Whereas acute ES is not beneficial for facial nerve repair, MS provides long-term benefits.