Novel 3-D Video May Help Patients with Facial Paralysis

Newswise — Facial paralysis is a devastating condition that affects a patient's ability to express emotions and has numerous esthetic as well as functional consequences. To date, there is no one significant method of objectively measuring how much facial function one has.

A new three-dimensional real-time video acquisition system (3D VAS) has been developed that allows the measurement of absolute motion of both geometric shapes and positions of deformable objects in real time. In a new study to be presented at the 2007 AAO-HNSF Annual Meeting & OTO EXPO, researchers evaluated the new 3-D technology for potential accuracy in measurement of movement in the face in a group of normal subjects, as well as in patients with facial paralysis.

Researchers found that the new technology can accurately quantify facial movement in healthy subjects, which gives great hope that the method can be used in patients with facial paralysis.

Title: Novel 3-D Video for Quantification of Facial MovementAuthors: Ritvik Prakash Mehta, MD, Song Zhang PhD, Theresa A Hadlock, MD; Date: Tuesday, September 18, 8:28 am - 8:36 am.

Information for the MediaThe AAO-HNS Annual Meeting newsroom will be located in Registration East, Street Level of the Washington, DC Convention Center. Hours of operation: Saturday, September 15, 12 pm to 5 pm; Sunday - Tuesday, September 16 -18, 7:30 am to 5 pm; and Wednesday, September 19, 7:30 am to 2 pm. The newsroom serves as a work space for credentialed members of the media and credentialed public relations staff. The newsroom is managed and staffed by the AAO-HNS Communications Unit. Please see the AAO-HNS website for media credentialing requirements for the event - http://www.entnet.org/ent-press/online_reg.cfm.

About the AAO-HNSThe American Academy of Otolaryngology " Head and Neck Surgery (http://www.entnet.org), one of the oldest medical associations in the nation, represents more than 12,000 physicians and allied health professionals who specialize in the diagnosis and treatment of disorders of the ears, nose, throat, and related structures of the head and neck. The Academy serves its members by facilitating the advancement of the science and art of medicine related to otolaryngology and by representing the specialty in governmental and socioeconomic issues. The organization's mission: "Working for the Best Ear, Nose, and Throat Care."