[Infantile facial paralysis: diagnostic and therapeutic features]

J Montalt1, R Barona, C Comeche

  • 1Hospital General Universitario, Servicio De O.R.L. Valencia.

Anales Otorrinolaringologicos Ibero-Americanos
|February 24, 2001
PubMed

Insights

This study reviewed 11 pediatric facial paralysis cases, finding complete clinical restoration in most patients. Electroneurography proved effective for diagnosis in children with facial nerve issues.

Area of Science:

  • Neurology
  • Pediatrics
  • Otolaryngology

Context:

  • Peripheral unilateral facial paralysis in children presents unique diagnostic and management challenges.
  • Understanding the etiology and clinical course is crucial for effective treatment.
  • Previous studies have limited data on pediatric facial nerve palsy.

Purpose:

  • To analyze clinical and neurophysiological findings in pediatric peripheral unilateral facial paralysis.
  • To evaluate the diagnostic utility of electroneurography in young patients.
  • To discuss the etiology, diagnostic methods, and management strategies for pediatric facial paralysis.

Summary:

  • This study presents a series of 11 pediatric cases (under 15 years) of peripheral unilateral facial paralysis.
  • Parameters analyzed include age, sex, affected side, origin, medical history, clinical, and neurophysiological data (magnetic stimulation electroneurography).
  • Complete clinical recovery was observed in all but one patient with cholesteatoma, highlighting the efficacy of timely interventions.

Impact:

  • Provides valuable insights into the diagnosis and management of pediatric facial paralysis.
  • Demonstrates the effectiveness of electroneurography in assessing facial nerve function in children.
  • Contributes to the understanding of etiologies and outcomes, aiding clinical decision-making for pediatric facial nerve disorders.

Related Concept Videos

Directly Acting Muscle Relaxants: Dantrolene and Botulinum Toxin01:26

Directly Acting Muscle Relaxants: Dantrolene and Botulinum Toxin

Directly acting muscle relaxants like dantrolene and botulinum toxin (BoNT) have distinct mechanisms and applications. Dantrolene, a hydantoin derivative, acts on the ryanodine receptor (RYR1) in skeletal muscle cells. RYR1 are calcium channels present at the sarcoplasmic reticulum membrane. In response to excitation, they release calcium ions from the sarcoplasmic reticulum to the cytosol. Calcium promotes actin-myosin-mediated contraction of muscles.
The binding of dantrolene to the RYR1...
Skeletal Muscle Relaxants: Therapeutic Uses01:31

Skeletal Muscle Relaxants: Therapeutic Uses

Skeletal muscle relaxants are used to relax muscle tone and alleviate painful muscle contractions. However, the choice of skeletal muscle relaxants depends on the duration of the surgical procedure in order to minimize potential side effects. Skeletal muscle relaxants like neuromuscular blocking agents [NMBAs] are commonly employed as adjuvants alongside general anesthetics in clinical settings. NMBAs are also used to maintain controlled ventilation during surgery of the larynx or pharynx as...
Tetanus01:29

Tetanus

Tetanus is a life-threatening neurological disorder characterized by persistent muscle contractions and spastic paralysis. It is caused by Clostridium tetani, a motile, Gram-positive, rod-shaped, obligate anaerobe. These bacteria produce terminal endospores, giving them a distinctive “lollipop” or “tennis-racket” appearance. They thrive in anaerobic environments, such as those found in deep puncture wounds.Once introduced into the body, the spores germinate into vegetative cells. These cells...
Botulism01:22

Botulism

Botulism is a life-threatening neuroparalytic condition caused by botulinum neurotoxin, which is produced by the bacterium Clostridium botulinum, a Gram-positive, spore-forming, obligate anaerobe.In adults, the toxin enters the body in different ways: in foodborne botulism, the preformed toxin is absorbed in the intestine. In wound botulism, spores grow in injured tissue and release the toxin into the blood. Infant botulism differs mechanistically from adult forms. In infants, botulism commonly...
Poliomyelitis01:17

Poliomyelitis

Poliomyelitis is caused by poliovirus, a small, non-enveloped, positive-sense RNA virus of the Picornaviridae family and Enterovirus genus. Transmission occurs primarily via the fecal-oral route, often through ingestion of contaminated water or food. The virus initially replicates in the oropharynx and intestinal mucosa, particularly in lymphoid tissues such as the tonsils, Peyer’s patches, and regional lymph nodes. Primary viremia follows, allowing dissemination throughout the body.In most...
Encephalitis ll: Pathophysiology01:26

Encephalitis ll: Pathophysiology

Encephalitis is inflammation of the brain parenchyma caused by direct viral invasion or immune-mediated mechanisms triggered by infections or tumors. Both processes lead to neuronal injury, disrupted neurotransmission, and diverse neurological symptoms, often with overlapping clinical and pathological features.Autoimmune EncephalitisIn autoimmune encephalitis, antibodies target neuronal antigens on cell surfaces, synapses, or within neurons. A key example is anti-NMDAR encephalitis, which can...