Diagnosis and comprehensive treatment of facial nerve dysfunction using an advanced AI-based platform for facial and sensory (taste) analysis
Provider: Ministerstvo zdravotnictví
Programme: VES 2026 - 2029
Implementation period: 01.01.26 - 31.12.29
Workplace:
Fakulta zdravotnických studií - Klinika ORL a chirurgie hlavy a krku
Investigator: Vodička JanTeam member: Blanař Vít | Brothánková Pavlína
Description:
Facial nerve palsy represents a serious problem of orofacial functions in daily activities with a significant decrease in the QoL in the physical, social and psychological spheres. Optimal diagnosis of the localization and type of pathology is essential for effective treatment. Management of severe and long-lasting palsies requires a multidisciplinary approach. Current clinical classifications are not sufficiently effective. They are burdened with a high degree of subjectivity, low power to differentiate pathologies falling within the intermediate level of dysfunction, and do not allow the evaluation of the benefit of therapeutic interventions. Further, the facial nerve conducts fibers providing sensory information from taste receptors. The project proposes the use of a hardware and software (smartphone/tablet/PC-based) tool that offers (i) an automated, continuous and accurate assessment of facial function with (ii) self-evaluation method for lateralized evaluation of taste on the tongue implemented. The main objectives are to evaluate the potential of a unique platform for accurate, objective and continuous measurement of mimetic and taste function and to further evaluate the potential of applying a telemedicine approach. Secondary objectives are to develop a diagnostic tool and to evaluate the impact of automated evaluation and AI-guided auto-rehabilitation on treatment outcomes including QoL aspects. The project integrates digital technologies and AI into health services as well as material engineering (foils with taste substances). It offers the possibility of an objective and continuous assessment of the mimetic and taste dysfunction that will complement existing diagnostics. Also, it implements telemedicine monitoring and creates and clinically verifies new procedures that enable the determination of actual state and distant consultations/referrals in order to increase the quality and efficiency of healthcare.
Facial nerve palsy represents a serious problem of orofacial functions in daily activities with a significant decrease in the QoL in the physical, social and psychological spheres. Optimal diagnosis of the localization and type of pathology is essential for effective treatment. Management of severe and long-lasting palsies requires a multidisciplinary approach. Current clinical classifications are not sufficiently effective. They are burdened with a high degree of subjectivity, low power to differentiate pathologies falling within the intermediate level of dysfunction, and do not allow the evaluation of the benefit of therapeutic interventions. Further, the facial nerve conducts fibers providing sensory information from taste receptors. The project proposes the use of a hardware and software (smartphone/tablet/PC-based) tool that offers (i) an automated, continuous and accurate assessment of facial function with (ii) self-evaluation method for lateralized evaluation of taste on the tongue implemented. The main objectives are to evaluate the potential of a unique platform for accurate, objective and continuous measurement of mimetic and taste function and to further evaluate the potential of applying a telemedicine approach. Secondary objectives are to develop a diagnostic tool and to evaluate the impact of automated evaluation and AI-guided auto-rehabilitation on treatment outcomes including QoL aspects. The project integrates digital technologies and AI into health services as well as material engineering (foils with taste substances). It offers the possibility of an objective and continuous assessment of the mimetic and taste dysfunction that will complement existing diagnostics. Also, it implements telemedicine monitoring and creates and clinically verifies new procedures that enable the determination of actual state and distant consultations/referrals in order to increase the quality and efficiency of healthcare.
