Medizinische Universität Graz Austria/Österreich - Forschungsportal - Medical University of Graz
Gewählte Publikation:
Sun, K.
Flow asymmetry-
A quantitative and objective measure of unilateral facial palsy
Humanmedizin; [ Diplomarbeit ] Graz Medical University; 2018. pp. 51
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- Autor*innen der Med Uni Graz:
- Betreuer*innen:
- Schicho Kurt
- Spendel Stephan
- Altmetrics:
- Abstract:
- Background The seventh cranial nerve(CNVII), also known as facial nerve is one of the most commonly paralyzed nerves. Inhibiting facial expression, facial nerve palsy leads to a devastating condition for the patient. Regarding to the challenging management of facial palsy, an interdisciplinary cooperation (e.g. between ENT and plastic surgery) is often necessary. A valid quantitative and objective grading system, which can provide straightforward communication between and among clinicians, has not been established yet. The aim of this thesis is to introduce a new concept of an objective and quantitative grading method. Method The follow-up and the diagnose of the facial palsy patients are determined by the asymmetry of the face. To measure the asymmetry of the dynamic movement of the facial expression muscles, the transformation of the motion from one frame in a sequence into the next frame of the recorded movement would be observed. Each frame is made of a given set of points and the transformation of these points describes the facial movement pattern. The transformations can be shown in form of vectors by using the optical flow method. In this way, the direction, the speed of the movement, and the potential of the facial muscles can be described and be derived from the mathematical concept. Subsequently the essential parameter and the measure flow asymmetry can be determined. Flow asymmetry is here introduced for the first time as a quantitative measure of the facial palsy. Results The feasibility of the new evaluation method has been proved by mathematic simulations. The asymmetry of the facial movement is described by flow asymmetry, which can be used as a measure for the quantitative evaluation of the facial palsy.The motion and the asymmetry of the facial movement can be illustrated precisely with this proposed concept. Conclusions This proposed idea has demonstrated that the optical flow is a powerful method for measuring the dynamics of the facial muscles. Our simulation results confirmed that the newly introduced concept, i.e., flow asymmetry, is a precise quantitative measure of unilateral facial palsy.