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Axonal load of facial nerve may decrease with age

Age and axonal load demonstrated a negative correlation at both the proximal and distal areas, according to recent findings.

The researchers studied the association between age and facial nerve axonal load by dissecting 63 fresh, cadaveric heads to expose the facial nerve. There were 36 women and 27 men with an average age of 71 years (range 22-97) included in the analysis.

They took one proximal sample, because the nerve exits the stylomastoid foramen, and one distal sample at the buccal branch, 1 cm proximal to the anterior parotid border, according to the results.

A significant negative correlation was observed between age and axonal load in the proximal sample (r = –.26; P < .01; n=104). This negative correlation also was reported for the distal sampling point (r= –.45; P < .0001; n=114).

The researchers concluded that with increasing age, the axonal load of the facial nerve decreases at the buccal and zygomatic branches. This occurs at approximately 1 cm proximal to the anterior parotid border, the results showed. Decreasing axonal load may be a factor in suboptimal outcomes of cross-facial grafting in older individuals. – by Rob Volansky

Disclosure: The researchers report no relevant financial disclosures.