The House–Brackmann score is a score to grade the degree of
nerve
A nerve is an enclosed, cable-like bundle of nerve fibers (called axons) in the peripheral nervous system.
A nerve transmits electrical impulses. It is the basic unit of the peripheral nervous system. A nerve provides a common pathway for the e ...
damage in a
facial nerve palsy
Facial nerve paralysis is a common problem that involves the paralysis of any structures innervated by the facial nerve. The pathway of the facial nerve is long and relatively convoluted, so there are a number of causes that may result in facial ...
. The measurement is determined by measuring the upwards (superior) movement of the mid-portion of the top of the
eyebrow
An eyebrow is an area of short hairs above each eye that follows the shape of the lower margin of the brow ridges of some mammals. In humans, eyebrows serve two main functions: first, communication through facial expression, and second, prevent ...
, and the outwards (lateral) movement of the angle of the mouth. Each reference point scores 1 point for each 0.25 cm movement, up to a maximum of 1 cm. The scores are then added together, to give a number out of 8.
The score predicts recovery in those with
Bell's palsy
Bell's palsy is a type of facial paralysis that results in a temporary inability to control the facial muscles on the affected side of the face. In most cases, the weakness is temporary and significantly improves over weeks. Symptoms can vary fr ...
.
The score carries the name of the Dr John W. House and Dr Derald E. Brackmann, otolaryngologists in Los Angeles, California, who first described the system in 1985.
[ It is one of a number of facial nerve scoring systems, such as Burres-Fisch, Nottingham, Sunnybrook,][ and Yanagihara.][ Of these, the Nottingham scale has been identified as possibly being easier and more reproducible.]
References
External links
* The visual appearance of the defect is describe
here
{{DEFAULTSORT:House-Brackmann score
Otorhinolaryngology
Ophthalmology