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Otomastoiditis-related facial nerve palsy
Dawn Helms1, Raymond J Roberge, Michael Kovalick
1Emergency Medicine Residency Program, Department of Emergency Medicine, Ohio Valley Medical Center, 2000 Eoff Street, Wheeling, West Virginia 26003, USA
The Journal of Emergency Medicine
|July 17, 2003
Summary
Persistent otitis media can lead to facial nerve palsy due to uncommon acute mastoiditis. Computed tomography (CT) scans are crucial for diagnosing mastoiditis and preventing neurological deficits.
Area of Science:
- Otolaryngology
- Pediatric Neurology
Background:
- Otitis media is common in children, often treated with antibiotics.
- Facial nerve palsy is a rare complication of persistent otitis media.
Observation:
- A 9-year-old girl presented with persistent otitis media and developed facial nerve palsy.
- Computed tomography (CT) revealed ipsilateral mastoiditis.
Findings:
- Acute mastoiditis, though uncommon, can present insidiously (masked or silent mastoiditis).
- CT scans are essential for diagnosing mastoiditis in cases of facial nerve palsy secondary to otitis media.
Implications:
- Early CT diagnosis of mastoiditis is vital to guide appropriate antibiotic and steroid therapy.
- Failure to diagnose concomitant mastoiditis can lead to treatment failure and permanent neurological deficits.