The stapedius reflex in idiopathic facial palsy.

Various aspects of the stapedial reflex responses and facial palsy were investigated. In the first study the initial reflex responses following facial palsy in 120 patients were compared with the outcome. In 42 patients with a present stapedial reflex, the full recovery rate was 92 per cent as compared to 78 patients with an absent stapedial reflex and a full recovery rate of 73 per cent. Twenty-five patients with facial palsy and absent stapedial reflex were followed up. In 21 patients (84 per cent) the return of a positive stapedial reflex was the first sign of recovery, and it preceded any other evidence of recovery by 6 weeks. The third study showed that the stapedial reflex does not participate in the synkinetic movement of post-paralytic patients.