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Facial paralysis caused by malignant skull base neoplasms
Sam J Marzo1, John P Leonetti, Guy Petruzzelli
1Center for Cranial Base Surgery, Loyola University of Chicago, USA. smarzo@lumc.edu
Ear, Nose, & Throat Journal
|January 9, 2003
Summary
Bell palsy is common, but occult skull base tumors can mimic it, leading to delayed diagnosis. Early detection is crucial to improve outcomes for patients with facial paralysis.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Oncology
Background:
- Bell palsy is the most frequent cause of facial paralysis.
- Misdiagnosis of facial paralysis can occur when the term Bell palsy is broadly applied.
Observation:
- A retrospective review identified 11 patients with acute facial nerve paralysis mimicking Bell palsy.
- All patients were found to have an occult skull base neoplasm, with delayed diagnosis in every case.
Findings:
- Neoplasms invading the facial nerve can present as acute paralysis resembling Bell palsy.
- Failure of paralysis to resolve may indicate an underlying neoplasm.
Implications:
- Delayed diagnosis and treatment of neoplastic facial paralysis increase mortality and morbidity.
- Distinguishing neoplastic facial paralysis from Bell palsy is critical for timely intervention.