Adolescent ; Age Factors ; Bell Palsy/complications ; Bell Palsy/etiology ; Bell Palsy/therapy ; Child ; Child, Preschool ; Facial Paralysis/diagnostic imaging ; Facial Paralysis/etiology* ; Facial Paralysis/therapy* ; Female ; Fractures, Bone/complications ; Herpes Zoster Oticus/complications ; Humans ; Male ; Physical Therapy Modalities ; Radiography ; Retrospective Studies ; Sex Factors ; Steroids/therapeutic use ; Temporal Bone/injuries
Abstract
OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the causes, treatment modalities and recovery rate of paediatric facial nerve paralysis.
MATERIALS AND METHODS: We analysed 24 cases of paediatric facial nerve paralysis diagnosed in the otolaryngology department of Gachon University Gil Medical Center between January 2001 and June 2006.
RESULTS: The most common cause was idiopathic palsy (16 cases, 66.7 per cent). The most common degree of facial nerve paralysis on first presentation was House-Brackmann grade IV (15 of 24 cases). All cases were treated with steroids. One of the 24 cases was also treated surgically with facial nerve decompression. Twenty-two cases (91.6 per cent) recovered to House-Brackmann grade I or II over the six-month follow-up period.
CONCLUSION: Facial nerve paralysis in children can generally be successfully treated with conservative measures. However, in cases associated with trauma, radiological investigation is required for further evaluation and treatment.