The Efficacy of Botulinum Toxin Treatment in Facial Palsy: A Systematic Review

Background: Facial palsy, characterized by the partial or complete paralysis of facial muscles, poses significant challenges to individuals' quality of life due to its functional and psychological impacts.Botulinum toxin (botulinum toxin) injections have emerged as a promising therapeutic option for managing facial palsy, but the extent of their efficacy across various etiologies and the duration of treatment effects warrant further investigation.Objective: This study aims to systematically assess the efficacy of botulinum toxin injections in treating facial palsy, including subjective assessments, long-term follow-up, and evaluation of adverse effects.Methods: A systematic review following the PRISMA Guidelines was conducted by searching four major databases: PubMed, Cochrane, Scopus, and Embase.A total of 394 randomized controlled trials (RCTs) published between 2013 and 2024 were initially identified for screening.After applying the inclusion and exclusion criteria, 20 studies were selected for detailed analysis in this review. Results:The analysis revealed a significant improvement in facial symmetry, reduction in spasticity, and enhancement of functional outcomes following botulinum toxin injections for facial palsy.Subjective assessments indicated patient satisfaction, with sustained treatment effects observed during long-term follow-up.Adverse effects were generally mild and transient. Conclusion:Botulinum toxin injections demonstrate promising efficacy in treating facial palsy, offering improvements in facial symmetry and functional outcomes.Long-term follow-up confirms sustained treatment effects, while adverse effects remain manageable.This study underscores the potential of botulinum toxin therapy as a valuable intervention for individuals with facial palsy.