Ask – or use pantomime to encourage – the patient to show teeth or raise eyebrows and close eyes. Score symmetry of grimace in response to noxious stimuli in the poorly responsive or non-comprehending patient. If facial trauma/bandages, orotracheal tube, tape or other physical barriers obscure the face, these should be removed to the extent possible. |
0 = Normal symmetrical movements. |
1 = Minor paralysis (flattened nasolabial fold, asymmetry on smiling) |
2 = Partial paralysis (total or near-total paralysis of lower face). |
3 = Complete paralysis of one or both sides (absence of facial movement in the upper and lower face). |