Bilateral Facial Nerve Palsy after Sars-Cov2 Infection in Pediatric Patient

COVID-19 infection has been associated with several neurologic manifestations including anosmia, acute ischemic stroke, Guillain-Barré syndrome, encephalopathy and cranial nerve involvement. Though multiple cases of unilateral facial nerve palsy have been reported but bilateral facial palsy is very rare. Our case was 12 years old female patient who presented with difficulty in closing mouth, drooling of saliva and change in voice. On examination, there was loss of bilateral nasolabial folds, nasal twang of speech and incomplete eye closure bilaterally. Laboratory reports suggested raised CRP and amylase along with positive Immunoglobulin IgG covid-19 antibodies. Magnetic Resonance Imaging of brain and neck showed no abnormality. The child was managed conservatively with supportive care, subsequent to which she gradually improved over next 4-6 weeks. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first pediatric case where SARS-COV2 infection was found to be associated with bilateral facial nerve palsy as a post covid complication. Therefore, bilateral facial palsy should be considered as one of the associations of COVID especially in the present era. A detailed history and examination should be done as it often gets missed due to bilateral involvement. All differential diagnosis should be ruled out by relevant laboratory & radiological tests. Most children are likely to recover well with supportive treatment.

Facial nerve palsy in otitis externa: A red flag?

@#Otitis externa is an infection of the external auditory canal. It rarely results in facial palsy except in severe cases such as necrotizing otitis externa, which is a life-threatening invasive infection of the external auditory canal. Early recognition with prompt and appropriate treatment of necrotizing otitis externa is crucial to prevent more sinister complications. Here we report a case of an elderly gentleman who presented with otitis externa and developed facial palsy a month later. We identified possible problems that may have led to the complication so that such an occurrence can be prevented in the future.

Varicella and isolated acute peripheral facial nerve palsy: A systematic review on natural history, prognosis and treatment

@#Background & Objective: Varicella is a common infection during childhood and generally self-limiting. However, it can rarely cause neurological complications. Isolated acute peripheral facial palsy (APFP) is extremely rare during primary varicella infection with estimated incidence of <0.01%. There have also been conflicting opinions on its natural history, prognosis and management worldwide. We aimed to establish the natural history, prognosis and treatment for varicella-related isolated APFP in immunocompetent individuals, without co-morbids. Methods: Systematic review was performed with systematic literature search in Google Scholar and PubMed. Data was analysed with statistical analysis software. Results: Thirty cases were included. The complete remission rate of APFP was 66.67% for nontreatment group and 72.22% for treatment group (p=0.643). Early and late treatment group had a similar complete remission rate of 88.89% and 80% respectively (p=1.000). However, early treatment group (within 3 days of onset) had achieved complete remission 3 weeks earlier than the late treatment group (p=0.091). Antiviral group tends to have better outcome than steroid monotherapy group, although statistically insignificant (p=0.055). Conclusions: This condition generally has good prognosis even without treatment. However, early treatment and antiviral therapy may at least accelerate remission and reduce morbidities although these cannot alter the final outcome. Clinicians may consider antiviral therapy if patients present within 3 days of onset. These findings need to be applied with caution, considering the limitations of our review.

Surgical outcomes of transmastoid facial nerve decompression: Preliminary data from a Malaysian tertiary hospital from 2013-2018

@#Introductions: Facial nerve palsy (FNP) occurs in 7-10% of temporal bone fractures. The aim of this study was to review the surgical outcome of nine patients with severe to complete traumatic facial nerve (FN) injury. Methods: The patients were evaluated clinically and FNP was graded using the House Brackmann (HB) scale. High resolution computerized tomography (HRCT) of the temporal bone was used to evaluate temporal bone fractures. Transmastoid facial nerve decompression was performed and the facial nerve function was re-evaluated in subsequent follow ups. Results: There were five cases with immediate onset and four with delayed onset of FNP. Only three cases had pure temporal bone fractures, the others were associated with other life threatening injuries. The sensitivity and specificity of HRCT temporal bone to detect the obvious facial canal fracture line were 50% and 40% respectively. 75% of patients with immediate onset of HB grade VI FN palsy who were operated within a month recovered completely. Surgeries for the delayed onset FNP were performed at a mean of 70 days (range 51-94). All recovered to HB grade II-III from severe FNP. Conclusions: Our study demonstrated that transmastoid FN decompression surgery was beneficial to traumatic nerve injury. Early intervention resulted in better outcomes. However, FN function could still be salvaged even in delayed FN decompression.

Case report of Anotia with ipsilateral facial nerve palsy

Anotia is the severe form of microtia anomalies that involve pinna and external auditory canal  present at birth is rare to be associated with congenital facial nerve palsy. The author reports a man with Right side Anotia and ipsilateral facial nerve palsy. This is rare report of such an association in adult patient had right Anotia and ipsilateral right facial palsy.

Otomastoiditis por mycobacterium tuberculosis: un diagnóstico desafiante / Tuberculous otomastoiditis: a challenging diagnosis

RESUMEN La otomastoiditis tuberculosa es una presentación extremadamente rara de la forma extrapulmonar de la enfermedad y puede ser difícil llegar a su diagnóstico. Presentamos el caso de una paciente de 35 años con otomastoiditis tuberculosa bilateral acompañado de vértigo, hipoacusia mixta bilateral y paresia del nervio facial bilateral, como debut de una tuberculosis. Cultivos de Mycobacterium tuberculosis (MTB) y prueba de reacción en cadena de la polimerasa (PCR) de otorrea fueron inicialmente negativos. La tomografía computarizada de oídos y resonancia magnética mostraron cambios inflamatorios otomastoídeos bilaterales sin evidencia de erosión ósea ni extensión a partes blandas. Se realizó una mastoidotomía, las muestras del tejido obtenido evidenciaron osteomielitis crónica, bacterias ácido-alcohol resistentes y PCR positiva para MTB. La paciente recibió tratamiento con drogas antituberculosas durante 12 meses logrando una recuperación completa de la otalgia y vértigo, y mejoría parcial de audición y paresia facial. En resumen, los hallazgos clínicos e imagenológicos de la otomastoiditis tuberculosa son inespecíficos por lo cual se requiere de un alto índice de sospecha clínica para lograr el diagnóstico adecuado e iniciar el tratamiento de la infección subyacente.

ABSTRACT Tuberculous otomastoiditis is an extremely rare form of extrapulmonary disease that can be easily misdiagnosed. We hereby report the case of a previously healthy 35-yearold female with bilateral tuberculous otomastoiditis associated with vertigo, bilateral mixed hearing loss, and bilateral facial nerve palsy as the initial clinical presentation. Repeated Mycobacterium tuberculosis (MTB) culture and molecular testing of otorrhea aspirates were initially negative. High-resolution temporal bone computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging showed partial opacification of the mastoid air cells without signs of bone erosion. A mastoidotomy was performed with mastoid tissue showing chronic osteomyelitis, positivity in acid-fast staining and MTB PCR. The patient was treated with a 12 month antituberculous treatment, with complete recovery of otalgia and vertigo, and improvement in hearing levels and facial nerve palsy. In summary, clinical and imaging findings for tuberculous otomastoiditis are non-specific, hence a high degree of suspicion is required in order to diagnose and promptly treat the underlying infection.

Ophthalmologic Clinical Features of Facial Nerve Palsy Patients

PURPOSE: To understand the ophthalmic clinical features and outcomes of facial nerve palsy patients who were referred to an ophthalmic clinic for various conditions like Bell's palsy, trauma, and brain tumor. METHODS: A retrospective study was conducted of 34 eyes from 31 facial nerve palsy patients who visited a clinic between August 2007 and July 2017. The clinical signs, management, and prognosis were analyzed. RESULTS: The average disease period was 51.1 ± 20.6 months, and the average follow-up duration was 24.0 ± 37.5 months. The causes of facial palsy were as follows: Bell's palsy, 13 cases; trauma, six cases; brain tumor, five cases; and cerebrovascular disease, four cases. The clinical signs were as follows: lagophthalmos, 24 eyes; corneal epithelial defect, 20 eyes; conjunctival injection, 19 eyes; ptosis, 15 eyes; and tearing, 12 eyes. Paralytic strabismus was found in seven eyes of patients with another cranial nerve palsy (including the third, fifth, or sixth cranial nerve). Conservative treatments (like ophthalmic ointment or eyelid taping) were conducted along with invasive procedures (like levator resection, tarsorrhaphy, or botulinum neurotoxin type A injection) in 17 eyes (50.0%). Over 60% of the patients with symptomatic improvement were treated using invasive treatment. At the time of last following, signs had improved in 70.8% of patients with lagophthalmos, 90% with corneal epithelium defect, 58.3% with tearing, and 72.7% with ptosis. The rate of improvement for all signs was high in patients suffering from facial nerve palsy without combined cranial nerve palsy. CONCLUSIONS: The ophthalmic clinical features of facial nerve palsy were mainly corneal lesion and eyelid malposition, and their clinical course improved after invasive procedures. When palsy of the third, fifth, or sixty cranial nerve was involved, the prognosis and ophthalmic signs were worse than in cases of simple facial palsy. Understanding these differences will help the ophthalmologist take care of patients with facial nerve palsy.

Comparison between Subjective Scoring and Computer-Based Asymmetry Assessment in Facial Nerve Palsy

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: The aim of the present study was to assess the feasibility of a PC-based facial asymmetry assessment program (PC-FAAP) and to compare the results of PC-FAAP with subjective regional scoring by raters in acute unilateral peripheral facial nerve paralysis (FNP). SUBJECTS AND METHODS: Participants were divided into 3 groups with 8 participants per group: group I, normal; group II, mild to moderate FNP; and group III, severe FNP. Using the PC-FAAP, the mouth asymmetry ratio (MAR), eyebrow asymmetry ratio (EAR), and complete eye closure asymmetry ratio (CAR) were calculated by comparing the movement of tracking points on both sides. The FNP grading scale (FGS) integrated each score, and the scores were weighted with a ratio of 5:3:2 (MAR:CAR:EAR). Subjective regional scoring was measured on a 0-100 scale score by three otologists. PC-FAAP and subjective scoring were compared in each group regarding the consistency of the results. RESULTS: The mean scores of the MAR, EAR, CAR, and FGS of each group were significantly different. PC-FAAP showed significant differences between the three groups in terms of MAR, EAC, CAR, and FGS. PC-FAAP showed more consistent results than subjective assessment (p < 0.001). The PC-FAAP was significantly more consistent in group I and group III (p < 0.001 and p=0.002, respectively). FGS in group III was the only parameter that showed a more consistent result in PC-FAAP than the subjective scoring (p=0.008). CONCLUSIONS: An FNP grading system using a PC-based program may provide more consistent results, especially for severe forms.

“Nine” syndrome and its MRI brain findings

We describe a rare presentation of pontine infarction in a lady who was on dual antiplatelet therapy.Her presentation includes one and a half syndrome, left facial nerve palsy and contralateral hemiataxia.Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the brain revealed acute infarction of the dorsal pons. A diagnosisof “nine” syndrome secondary to lacunar stroke was made. She continued dual antiplatelet therapyand her symptoms resolved completely over three months.

Facial nerve decompression in treatment of patients with early peripheral traumatic facial paralysis / 局解手术学杂志

Objective To explore the effect of facial nerve decompression via mastoid-epitypanum approach on the treatment of early peripheral traumatic facial paralysis caused by temporal bone fracture.Methods The data of 21 patients with early peripheral traumatic facial paralysis caused by temporal bone fracture in our hospital from October 2011 to June 2016.The facial nerve electrogram and the blink reflex of the injured facial nerve of 21 patients who treated facial nerve decompression via mastoid-epitypanum approach were compared before and after operation.The degree of facial nerve function recovery was evluated by H-B grading method.Results The facial nerve function of all patients had improved in different degrees,85.7% patients recovered to Ⅰ~Ⅱ level.Compared with those before operation,the latency,amplitude and latent period of blink reflex of the ipsilateral facial electroneurography were significantly improved(P<0.05).Conclusion The facial nerve decompression has good effect in the treatment of early peripheral traumatic facial paralysis.

Relapse of B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukaemia presenting as right aural polyp with facial and mandibular nerves palsy

A patient presenting with an ear polyp is a common finding in otorhinolaryngology practice. The common causes include chronic otitis media and cholesteatoma. We report an adult female patient with a history of acute leukaemia presenting with chronic otitis media symptoms and right ear polyp. She was subsequently diagnosed as relapse of B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukaemia based on histopathological examination. The presentation may be similar to an inflammatory pathology of the middle ear, making it misleading.

Bilateral Facial Nerve Palsy Following Trauma: A Rare Case Report.

Bilateral facial paralysis occurs due to basilar skull fracture which involves temporal bone. It might be is rare. Unlike unilateral facial palsy, it can be difficult to recognize because of a lack of facial asymmetry. Proper clinical history and thorough physical exam are needed for a diagnosis. To confirm high-resolution computed tomography scan and electrodiagnostic tests should be done which will help to make the final diagnosis of bilateral facial nerve palsy. It will also help in the early detection of the case and intervention may be important for optimal functional recovery. We have reported a 28-year-old male who received a blow to the left side of his face due to road traffic accident.

Clinical Presentations And Surgical Outcomes Of Parotid Gland Tumors.

Abstract: Background & Objective: To assess Clinical Presentations and Surgical Outcomes of various parotid gland tumors which required Parotidectomy. Methodology: The present retrospective study was carried out at the Department of E.N.T. & Head Neck Surgery, Medical College Vadodara from January 2010 to December 2014 and included 34 patients who underwent parotidectomy. Data were collected regarding clinical presentations, benign versus malignant nature of the disease on FNAC reports, radiological findings, type of surgery instituted, complications encountered and histology reports of the surgical specimens and subjected to statistical analysis. Results: All patients had presented with a lump usually painless. Thirty (88%) patients had benign pathology while four (12%) had malignancies. Most common surgical procedure instituted was superficial parotidectomy, performed in 90% (n = 31). The most common complication was Sialocele (n=5; 15%) followed by facial nerve palsy (n= 2; 6%).The value of FNAC as a diagnostic tool was with 96.66% specificity and 75% sensitivity. Conclusion: Pleomorphic adenoma is most common benign pathology. Superficial parotidectomy is the most commonly offered surgical procedure. Parotid surgeries are safely performed with low morbidity and no mortality.

Clinical Presentations And Surgical Outcomes Of Parotid Gland Tumors.

Abstract: Background & Objective: To assess Clinical Presentations and Surgical Outcomes of various parotid gland tumors which required Parotidectomy. Methodology: The present retrospective study was carried out at the Department of E.N.T. & Head Neck Surgery, Medical College Vadodara from January 2010 to December 2014 and included 34 patients who underwent parotidectomy. Data were collected regarding clinical presentations, benign versus malignant nature of the disease on FNAC reports, radiological findings, type of surgery instituted, complications encountered and histology reports of the surgical specimens and subjected to statistical analysis. Results: All patients had presented with a lump usually painless. Thirty (88%) patients had benign pathology while four (12%) had malignancies. Most common surgical procedure instituted was superficial parotidectomy, performed in 90% (n = 31). The most common complication was Sialocele (n=5; 15%) followed by facial nerve palsy (n= 2; 6%).The value of FNAC as a diagnostic tool was with 96.66% specificity and 75% sensitivity. Conclusion: Pleomorphic adenoma is most common benign pathology. Superficial parotidectomy is the most commonly offered surgical procedure. Parotid surgeries are safely performed with low morbidity and no mortality.

A Non-healing Ulcer with Unilateral Facial Palsy

Introduction: Oral cavity is a hub for millions of microorganisms which are non pathogenic, but in immunocompromised states, plethora of diseases emerge which may be the most rarest and fatal. Mucormycosis has emerged as one such disease due to rise in the incidence of immunosuppressive conditions such as uncontrolled diabetes. It manifests as rhinocerebral, gastrointestinal, pulmonary and cutaneous forms. Presentation of Case: A 53 year old female patient reported with a chief complaint of noticing a painless large ulcer in the palate. There was also history of swelling associated with continuous burning sensation only on the right middle third of face with difficulty in closing right eye, raising right eyebrow, speaking and inabilty to smile. Bell’s sign was positive. She also had recurrent episodes of fever and vomiting. Imaging with CT and MRI showed no bony destruction but a wide spread soft tissue lesion from palate upto the cavernous sinus. Culture and histopathology confirmed mucormycosis. Discussion: Mucormycosis is the third most common opportunistic fungal infection caused by a saprophytic fungus Mucor. This invasive infection can spread rapidly to intracranium causing various morbidities. Facial nerve palsy is one such rare complication reported in the present case. Explicit investigations including imaging, serology, histopathology and culture are crucial for appropriate diagnosis. Treatment includes parenteral and oral antifungals. Conclusion: Mucormycosis is a rare encounter in dental practice especially with initial presenting intraoral symptom. The present paper presents one such rare extensive case of Mucormycosis in a compromised patient with extensive investigations and management.

Facial Nerve Reanimation with Temporalis Muscle Lengthened By Temporalis Fascia.

Management of facial paralysis varies according to the cause, the extent and type of paralysis (total vs partial, unilateral vs bilateral) as well as the duration of paralysis. Facial nerve reconstruction including restitution of the facial symmetry and facial expression is a great surgical challenge. Considering the often disappointing results achieved with the currently available techniques, a continued search for alternative donor sites seemed appropriate. Numerous techniques for facial reanimation have been developed over time, with the ultimate goal being the restoration of both function and form. A case of post traumatic facial nerve palsy managed by reanimation with temporalis muscle lengthened by temporalis fascia is discussed.

Deep lobe parotid abscess with facial nerve palsy: a case report / Absceso del lóbulo profundo de la parótida con parálisis del nervio facial: un reporte de caso

Acute suppurative sialadenitis mostly occurs in the parotid gland, while parotid abscesses principally arise in the superficial lobe. However, facial nerve palsy, secondary to parotid abscess, is rare. Predisposing factors for the ductally ascending infection are dehydration, xerogenic drugs and salivary gland diseases associated with ductal obstruction or reduced saliva secretion. Obstruction of Stensen's duct and diminished production of saliva are regarded as the promoting factors. Painful swelling of the preauricular region and cheek is the most familiar symptom of acute suppurative parotitis. The most common pathogens associated with acute bacterial infection are Staphylococcus aureus and anaerobes. We report a rare case of deep lobe parotid abscess with facial nerve palsy. Aside from adequate fluid hydration, good oral hygiene and treatment with empiric parenteral antibiotics, surgical treatment with drainage can provide a remedy for this disease.

La sialoadenitis aguda supurativa aguda ocurre sobre todo en la glándula parótida, mientras que los abscesos parotídeos se producen principalmente en el lóbulo superficial. Sin embargo, la parálisis del nervio facial, secundaria al absceso parotídeo, es rara. Los factores predisponentes para la infección ascendente ductal son la deshidratación, los medicamentos xerogénicos, y las enfermedades de las glándulas salivales asociadas con obstrucción ductal o reducción de la secreción salival. La obstrucción del conducto de Stensen y la disminución de la producción de saliva, se consideran los factores promotores. Una inflamación dolorosa de la región preauricular y la mejilla es el síntoma más conocido de la parotiditis supurativa aguda. Los patógenos más comunes asociados con la infección bacteriana aguda son los anaerobios y el estafilococo dorado. Reportamos un caso raro de absceso del lóbulo parotídeo profundo con parálisis del nervio facial. Además de una hidratación fluida, una buena higiene oral y tratamiento con antibióticos parenterales empíricos, el tratamiento quirúrgico con drenaje puede proveer un remedio para esta enfermedad.

Analysis of Facial Deformities in Korean Leprosy

OBJECTIVES: The clinical features of various facial deformities in Korean leprosy patients were evaluated according to the type of leprosy. METHODS: One hundred ninety six patients with leprosy were examined for various facial deformities using a nasal speculum, endoscope, and digital camera. The frequency and severity of external nasal deformities and septal perforations were evaluated according to the type of leprosy. Eye deformities, ear deformities, and facial palsy were also assessed. RESULTS: Seventy-one patients (36.2%) displayed external nasal deformities: 28 minimal contractures, three cartilage contractures, two bony-cartilage contractures, and 38 skin defects. The external nasal deformity and severe form deformity in lepromatous types were more frequent compared to other types (P0.05 for each variable). Sixty-one patients (31.1%) had eye deformities and 19 patients (9.7%) had facial nerve palsy, common in the borderline type. No cases of ear deformities were observed. CONCLUSION: Korean patients had characteristic deformities according to the type of leprosy. They were different from those seen in the prior analyses of Caucasian populations.

Parálisis de Bell y dolor facial asociados con infección por Toxocara sp / Bell's palsy and facial pain associated with toxocara infection

Objectives: Toxocarosis involving cranial nerves is extremely rare and almost exclusively concerns the optic nerve. Toxocarosis involving the seventh cranial nerve has not been reported. Case report: A 33y male developed left-sided Bell's palsy two days after left-sided otalgia 6y before. Despite extensive diagnostic work-up at that time the cause of Bell's palsy remained unknown. During the following years Bell's palsy slightly improved but retromandibular pain remained almost unchanged and he developed enlarged lymph nodes along the jugular veins, submandibularly, and in the trigonum caroticum. Re-evaluation 6y later revealed an increased titer of serum antibodies against Toxocara canis and a positive Westernblot for Toxocara canis ES-antigen. Despite absent eosinophilia in the serum, toxocarosis was diagnosed and a therapy with albendazole initiated, with benefit for retromandibular pain, but hardly for Bell's palsy or enlarged lymph nodes. CSF investigations after albendazole revealed a positive Westernblot for antibodies against toxocara but absent pleocytosis or eosinophilia, and negative PCR for Toxocara canis. Conclusions: Visceral larva migrans due to Toxocara canis may be associated with Bell's palsy, retromandibular pain, and lymphadenopathy. A causal relation between Bell's palsy and the helminthosis remains speculative. Adequate therapy years after onset of the infestation may be of limited benefit.

Objetivos: La toxocarosis que compromete los nervios craneales es extremadamente infrecuente y afecta casi exclusivamente al nervio óptico. No ha sido comunicada la toxocarosis que afecte al séptimo nervio cranial por lo que se expone un caso clínico. Caso clínico: Varón de 33 años que había presentado seis años antes, una otalgia izquierda seguida dos días más tarde de una parálisis de Bell ipsilateral. A pesar de un exhaustivo estudio, la causa de esta parálisis quedó sin etiología. En los años siguientes la parálisis mejoró moderadamente pero persistió un dolor retromandibular casi sin variaciones y el paciente desarrolló adenopatías en la cadena yugular, submandi-bulares y en el triángulo carotídeo. Una re-evaluación efectuada seis años más tarde detectó un título elevado de anticuerpos contra Toxocara canis y un antígeno ES de T. canis positivo mediante Westernblot. A pesar de no haber eosinofilia en la sangre, se diagnosticó una toxoca-rosis iniciándose terapia con albendazol, con lo cual se observó una reducción del dolor retro-mandibular aunque escaso beneficio sobre la parálisis de Bell y los ganglios comprometidos. El líquido cefalorraquídeo analizado después de haberse efectuado la cura con albendazol reveló un test de Westernblot positivo para anticuerpos anti-toxocara, en ausencia de pleocitosis o eosinofilia, y una RPC para Toxocara canis negativa. Conclusiones: El síndrome de larva migrans visceral debido a T. canis puede asociarse con parálisis de Bell, dolor retroman-dibular y linfoadenopatías. La relación causal entre la parálisis de Bell y la helmintosis permanece en el plano especulativo. La terapia anti-parasitaria realizada años tras la instalación de una infestación puede tener un beneficio aunque limitado.

<b>The Effectiveness of Acupuncture for Crocodile Tears Syndrome </b> / 日本東洋医学雑誌

I treated crocodile tears syndrome (gustatory-lacrimal reflex) after right facial nerve palsy with acupuncture. The patient was a 74-year-old female. Her right peripheral facial nerve palsy had started one and a half years earlier.<br>Most of her facial nerve palsy symptoms disappeared in about 5 months. Sixteen months after onset of the condition, her crocodile tear phenomenon occurred spontaneously. Three acupuncture points on the face were stimulated with fine needles for 10 minutes. Her crocodile tears disappeared completely with the first acupuncture session. This case suggests the possibility of acupuncture treatment for aberrant regeneration after facial nerve palsy.