APPLICATION TO TRACK FACIAL DEVIATION IN PATIENTS WITH FACIAL PALSY

Abstract

This invention provides an application-based system for assessing, diagnosing, and rehabilitating facial palsy patients. The system features grading via the House Brackmann Scale, NMES for targeted muscle stimulation, and a home exercise program. By integrating assessment and treatment in one platform, the device offers a comprehensive solution for improving facial muscle recovery and patient quality of life.

Specification

Description:FIELD OF THE INVENTION
This invention relates to medical diagnostic and rehabilitation technology, specifically an application-based system designed to assess, diagnose, and provide treatment guidelines for patients with facial palsy. The system integrates facial deviation tracking, grading through the House Brackmann Scale, and neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) to support effective rehabilitation and improve patient outcomes.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Facial palsy affects the movement and symmetry of facial muscles, leading to challenges in expressions and overall facial function. Traditional diagnostic and rehabilitation approaches lack the integration of assessment and treatment within a single device, making it difficult to track progress and provide targeted therapies. Additionally, there is a scarcity of mobile-based tools that enable patients to conduct self-assessment and continue therapy independently at home. This invention addresses these gaps by providing an application-based system that not only diagnoses facial palsy but also offers a rehabilitation platform, utilizing the House Brackmann Scale for grading and NMES for targeted muscle stimulation. By simplifying the assessment and treatment process, this invention enhances accessibility to facial palsy management tools for both clinicians and patients.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
This summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts, in a simplified format, that are further described in the detailed description of the invention.
This summary is neither intended to identify key or essential inventive concepts of the invention and nor is it intended for determining the scope of the invention.
To further clarify advantages and features of the present invention, a more particular description of the invention will be rendered by reference to specific embodiments thereof, which is illustrated in the appended drawings. It is appreciated that these drawings depict only typical embodiments of the invention and are therefore not to be considered limiting of its scope. The invention will be described and explained with additional specificity and detail with the accompanying drawings.
The invention provides a comprehensive application-based system for assessing facial deviation in patients with facial palsy. The system features a mobile application interface with modules for uploading patient facial images, grading facial palsy based on the House Brackmann Scale, and providing a rehabilitation protocol. Integrated NMES functionality offers targeted electrical stimulation to facilitate muscle recovery, with specific treatment guidelines for the therapist and an exercise program for home use. This device supports both clinical and independent use, enabling continuous progress tracking and customized rehabilitation.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
The detailed description of various exemplary embodiments of the disclosure is described herein with reference to the accompanying drawings. It should be noted that the embodiments are described herein in such details as to clearly communicate the disclosure. However, the amount of details provided herein is not intended to limit the anticipated variations of embodiments; on the contrary, the intention is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the scope of the present disclosure as defined by the appended claims.
It is also to be understood that various arrangements may be devised that, although not explicitly described or shown herein, embody the principles of the present disclosure. Moreover, all statements herein reciting principles, aspects, and embodiments of the present disclosure, as well as specific examples, are intended to encompass equivalents thereof.
The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of example embodiments. As used herein, the singular forms "a"," "an" and "the" are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It will be further understood that the terms "comprises," "comprising," "includes" and/or "including," when used herein, specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements and/or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components and/or groups thereof.
It should also be noted that in some alternative implementations, the functions/acts noted may occur out of the order noted in the figures. For example, two figures shown in succession may, in fact, be executed concurrently or may sometimes be executed in the reverse order, depending upon the functionality/acts involved.
In addition, the descriptions of "first", "second", "third", and the like in the present invention are used for the purpose of description only, and are not to be construed as indicating or implying their relative importance or implicitly indicating the number of technical features indicated. Thus, features defining "first" and "second" may include at least one of the features, either explicitly or implicitly.
Unless otherwise defined, all terms (including technical and scientific terms) used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which example embodiments belong. It will be further understood that terms, e.g., those defined in commonly used dictionaries, should be interpreted as having a meaning that is consistent with their meaning in the context of the relevant art and will not be interpreted in an idealized or overly formal sense unless expressly so defined herein.
The application-based system for tracking facial deviation in facial palsy patients is developed to combine assessment, grading, and rehabilitation into one integrated platform. The system's primary component is a mobile application that facilitates the entire diagnostic and treatment process. The initial module allows patients or clinicians to upload facial images, which the application analyzes to determine facial deviation patterns. The application then uses these images to grade the level of facial palsy using the House Brackmann Scale, a widely recognized scale for assessing facial nerve function.
Grades range from I to VI, where Grade I represents normal symmetrical function, and Grade VI represents a complete lack of movement. Once the grade is identified, the system automatically proceeds to the rehabilitation module. The rehabilitation module includes both diagnostic and treatment functionalities, providing the user with specific exercises and stimulation routines tailored to the identified grade of facial palsy. Additionally, the application includes a neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) system that helps target weakened muscles with controlled electrical pulses.
The NMES system's interface includes a display that provides treatment guidelines, pulse mode, surge duration, and motor points to be covered based on the patient's condition. The therapist can select specific settings to stimulate facial muscles with the optimal amount of pulse and timing, ensuring effective therapy. The system also includes a home exercise program that patients can follow independently. This program features exercises that support muscle recovery, improve strength, and enhance facial expression, empowering patients to continue their rehabilitation outside of clinical settings.
, Claims:1. An application-based system for diagnosing facial deviation in facial palsy patients, providing integrated grading and rehabilitation functionality.
2. The system as claimed in Claim 1, wherein the application uses the House Brackmann Scale to grade facial palsy based on uploaded facial images.
3. The system as claimed in Claim 1, wherein a neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) module offers targeted electrical stimulation to specific facial muscles for therapeutic purposes.
4. The system as claimed in Claim 1, wherein the rehabilitation module includes an exercise program for home-based therapy, allowing independent management of facial palsy rehabilitation.
5. The system as claimed in Claim 1, wherein treatment settings such as pulse mode, surge duration, and motor points are adjustable, ensuring personalized therapy for patients.
6. A method for diagnosing and rehabilitating facial palsy patients as claimed in Claim 1, involving the use of a mobile application to assess, grade, and treat facial deviation with NMES and exercise protocols.
7. The system as claimed in Claim 1, wherein the device is designed for both clinical and independent use, supporting patient access to ongoing facial palsy management.

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