The comparison of facial grading systems.

To evaluate the relative merits of objective and subjective facial grading systems, we compared the results obtained with the Fisch, House, and Linear Measurement grading techniques in 12 subjects exhibiting varying degrees of palsy. Although most grading systems correlate well with each other, systems can vary dramatically in patient discrimination, interobserver variability, relative underrating and overrating, properties of nerve function selected, objectivity, and clinical definition. Objective and subjective data offer selective advantages.