The Importance of Duration in the Prognosis of Facial Nerve Palsy and Its Treatment-A Case Report

Authors: Nayak PS, Debnath P*, Harugop AKS and Patil PH

DOI: 10.23880/ooaj-16000219

Volume 6, Issue 2

Abstract

Background: Facial nerve palsy is considered to be one of the most common consequence of untreated chronic suppurative otitis media. The incidence has significantly reduced over the decade due to better imaging technology and use of early antibiotics and better surgical procedures but if left untreated, it has a significant impact over the patient’s day to day life and markedly affects patient’s social life and causes serious psychological damage. An appropriate and prompt management ensures healing of the palsy without sequelae. Case Report: We report a case of bilateral chronic suppurative otitis media with unilateral right grade 4 facial nerve palsy which happened within a duration of 1 month for which patient underwent right modified radical mastoidectomy following which she had steady improvement. Conclusion: This case highlights that in patients with middle-ear cleft cholesteatoma the surgical approaches vary according to duration of palsy and post-operative improvement in facial nerve function can be anticipated in cases of acute palsy. Surgical interventions have been proved to have a good effect in restoration of facial nerve palsy in cases of shorter duration as compared to those of sudden onset and longer duration.

Keywords: Facial Nerve Palsy; Cholesteatoma; Radical mastoidectomy

View PDF