Related Experiment Video

Updated: Oct 4, 2026

Single-stage Dynamic Reanimation of the Smile in Irreversible Facial Paralysis by Free Functional Muscle Transfer
19:53

Single-stage Dynamic Reanimation of the Smile in Irreversible Facial Paralysis by Free Functional Muscle Transfer

Published on: March 1, 2015

[Infected epidermoid cyst as cause of peripheral facial palsy. A case report]

M Streppel1, J P Thomas, E Stennert

  • 1Klinik und Poliklinik für Hals-, Nasen- und Ohrenheilkunde, Kopf- und Halschirurgie der Universität zu Köln.

Laryngo- Rhino- Otologie
|October 17, 2001
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Peripheral facial palsy can rarely be caused by extratemporal processes like infected epidermoid cysts. Prompt treatment of parotid gland abscesses led to complete recovery of facial nerve function.

Area of Science:

  • Otolaryngology
  • Neurology
  • Pathology

Background:

  • Peripheral facial palsy is infrequently linked to extratemporal conditions.
  • Suppurative or necrotic parotitis associated with facial palsy is exceptionally rare, with only 17 reported cases.

Observation:

  • A case of peripheral facial palsy originating from an infected epidermoid cyst involving the entire parotid gland is presented.
  • The patient underwent abscess drainage and antibiotic treatment, leading to resolution of the inflammation.

Findings:

  • Facial palsy persisted for 4 weeks but ultimately resolved completely.
  • The facial nerve was not directly encased by the abscess, suggesting indirect causation of the palsy.

Implications:

  • Inflammation likely spread to the Fallopian canal, potentially causing a metabolic imbalance similar to Bell's palsy.
  • Complete cyst excision is recommended due to the high recurrence rate of epidermoid cyst infections.

Related Concept Videos

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...
Brain Abscess l: Introduction01:26

Brain Abscess l: Introduction

A brain abscess is a focal, intracerebral infection characterized by a localized collection of pus within the brain parenchyma, resulting from microbial invasion and the body’s inflammatory response. It progresses through stages: early and late cerebritis, followed by early and late capsule formation, reflecting tissue destruction, immune response, and eventual encapsulation.Etiology and PathogenesisCausative organisms vary with source and host factors, often involving polymicrobial infections,...
Encephalitis l: Introduction01:19

Encephalitis l: Introduction

Encephalitis is inflammation of the brain parenchyma, most often due to infections or autoimmune processes. It presents with neuropsychiatric features such as fever, altered mental status, behavioral changes, cognitive dysfunction, seizures, focal deficits, and sometimes autonomic instability. In some cases, the meninges are also involved, resulting in meningoencephalitis.Infectious CausesInfectious encephalitis is most commonly viral but can also result from bacterial, fungal, or parasitic...