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Facial Paralysis Centers of Florida, Inc. (FPCF)
FPCF has successfully reduced residual facial paralysis in:
FPCF is devoted exclusively to providing the most advanced and highest quality of rehabilitative care available to patients with paralyzed facial muscles. FPCF focuses on strengthening, bulking. and retraining weakened facial muscles. Among FPCF's principle goals is the return of facial muscles of expression FPCF, affiliated with a national network of over 70 centers, has extensive experience in the rehabilitation of paralyzed facial muscles. Nationally, the therapists have collectively treated more than 4,000 residual facial paralysis patients. Currently, they are managing more than 1 ,000 such cases. FPCF, system of treatment is intended to provide both sensory and motor return as well as reversal of disuse atrophy, particularly on the paretic (paralyzed side of the face).
Typically, patients begin treatment upon written instruction by a physician, facial nerve expert.
Patients and healthcare practitioners are advised to contact FPCF immediately after the onset of paralysis. FPCF can provide direction that is critical for the long-term health and rehabilitation of the patient. For example, FPCF often assists patients with Bell's palsy and Ramsay Hunt's syndrome within the first seven days of attack to receive appropriate anti-viral and steroid therapy. Such therapy may greatly improve the patient's chances against permanent residual paralysis.
Generally, the patient's first visit consists of a thorough no charge evaluation which includes: completion of a facial paralysis questionnaire, identification and evaluation of residuals, photography, and a determination by the therapist as to whether the patient has the personality and the psychological profile to pursue the treatment; the program is lengthy and does require a significant amount of commitment. *
Once the assessment is completed the therapist counsels the patient in detail about the actual treatment program.
The program consists of:
The patient will typically meet with the therapist on a weekly basis. Every month motor nerve conduction velocity studies are completed (both for latency and for amplitude) to measure against the baseline. Adjustments are made to the computerized facial stimulator including the positioning and placement of the electrodes. The size of the electrodes used may also be changed. *
This evaluation does not include physical therapy evaluation or treatment; nor does it include electro diagnostic testing.
In addition, exercise regimens are reviewed and instruction on new exercises is provided. Finally, video and still photography are taken to assist the therapist in objectively gauging the progress of rehabilitation.
All therapists working with FPCF maintain close communication with a network of leading specialists in facial nerve and muscle disorders. Following the initial evaluation, most of FPCF's patients are referred for consultation to a leading specialist in the patient's particular disorder. The therapist and the physician work together to further tailor a treatment program that optimally meets the needs of the individual patient.
FPCF's experience shows that patients with Bell's palsy are usually able to achieve maximum return of facial expression between eight and twelve months post-onset of treatment. For patients with facial paralysis due to surgery (i.e. acoustic neuroma or facial tumor surgery) maximum return of facial expression can generally be achieved within sixteen to thirty months and patients with Ramsay Hunt's syndrome are usually able to achieve maximum return of facial expression within eighteen to twenty-four months alter the onset of the paralysis.
The FPCF treatment is accepted by more than 220 insurance carriers. FPCF accepts Blue Cross and Blue Shield as an out-of-network provider only.
FPCF's clinicians are all licensed therapists specially trained in rehabilitation of facial nerve paralysis.
Bob Targan, PhD., Pharm. - President
Clinical Neurophysiologist Doctor of Pharmacy Board Certified Pain Management International Board Certification Electro-Diagnostic Testing Founding Member, Sir Charles Bell Society Contributor, VIII International Symposium on the Facial Nerve Diplomate, American Academy of Pain Management Contributor, VIII International Association for the Study of Pain, Paris Fellow, American College of Apothecaries Associate Member, American Academy of Otolaryngolgy - HNS Contributor, Physical Medicine Research Foundation Editorial Review Committee, Journal of Otolaryngoligy - HNS Elected Member, American Academy of Neurological & Orthopedic Surgery
Pam Dillenbeck, MPT - Director of Licensee Operations
Deborah Salz, M.A., P.T. - Director of Operations of Florida Centers
Josephine Tan, M.D. - Medical Director Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation
INDEPENDENT CONSULTING FACIAL NERVE EXPERT:
Silerstein Institute, Sarasota, FL: Herb Silverstein, MD Seth Rosenberg, MD Lance Jackson, MD Matt Byers, MD Fred Telischi, MD
Miami, FL University of Miami School of Medicine: Mark Widick, MD,
Boca Raton, FL: James S. Atkins, MD FACS,
Celebration, FL: Jay Farrior, MD, Tampa, FL John C. Li, MD, Jupiter, FL
Facial Paralysis Centers of Florida, Inc (FPCF)
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