House–Brackmann Scale
Original Editor - Oyemi Sillo
Top Contributors - Wendy Walker, Oyemi Sillo, WikiSysop and Kim Jackson
Objective
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The House-Brackmann Scale is the most commonly used tool for the clinical evaluation of facial nerve function.[1] The scale is based upon functional impairment, ranging between I (normal) and VI (no movement). This classification system was first described in 1985 by Dr John W. House and Dr Derald E. Brackmann, otolaryngologists in Los Angeles.Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; name cannot be a simple integer. Use a descriptive title
Intended Population
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The scale is used to determine the severity of facial nerve dysfunction in people with facial palsy.
Method of Use[edit | edit source]
The score is determined by measuring:
- the upwards movement of the midportion of the top of the eyebrow, and
- the outwards movement of the oral commissure
For both the eyebrow and oral commisure movement, 1 point is assigned for every 0.25 cm motion up to a maximum of 1cm. The scores for each structure are added together to give the House-Brackmann score. The maximum score obtainable is 8, if both structures move the full 1cm.Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; name cannot be a simple integer. Use a descriptive title
For objectivity, measurements should be made on both the normal and the affected side.Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; name cannot be a simple integer. Use a descriptive title
| Grade | Description | Measurement | Function % | Estimated Function % |
| I | Normal | 8/8 | 100 | 100 |
| II | Slight | 7/8 | 76 - 99 | 80 |
| III | Moderate | 5/8 - 6/8 | 51 - 75 | 60 |
| IV | Moderately Severe | 3/8 - 4/8 | 26 - 50 | 40 |
| V | Severe | 1/8 - 2/8 | 1 - 25 | 20 |
| VI | Total | 0/8 | 0 | 0 |
Evidence[edit | edit source]
The House-Brackmann grading system has been found to be of high reliability, however examination of individual grades revealed wide variations between trained observers.Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; name cannot be a simple integer. Use a descriptive title
Links[edit | edit source]
Description of House-Brackmann grades
Recent Related Research (from Pubmed)[edit | edit source]
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References
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- ↑ Arne Ernst, Michael Herzog, Rainer Ottis Seidl. Head and Neck Trauma: An Interdisciplinary Approach. Thieme: Germany. 2006
