Clinical Characteristics of Facial Nerve Palsy in Children

Abstract

Background and Objectives: The aim of this study was to investigate the clinical characteristics of facial nerve palsy in children.

Subjects and Methods: Clinical records of 25 pediatric patients presenting with acute onset facial nerve palsy between January 2005 and May 2010 were reviewed retrospectively.

Results: The age at presentation at presentation ranged from 0 to 18 years (mean 9.5). The causes of facial nerve palsy were: 19 cases of Bell's palsy (76%), 3 cases of temporal bone trauma (12%), 1 case of otitis media (4%), and 2 cases of congenital facial nerve palsy (8%). Review of 11 Bell's palsy patients with complete medical records showed complete recovery in 9 of 11 patients (81.8%). Serum antibody to the herpes viruses varicellazoster virus, Epstein-Barr virus, or herpes simplex virus was detected in 9 of 11 patients (81.8%), but did not correlate with functional outcome.

Conclusions: The prognosis of facial palsy in children is generally acceptable. Bell's palsy was the most common etiology. Presence of serum antibodies to virus did not alter the outcome of facial nerve function in Bell's palsy patients