[Prognosis in recurrent peripheral idiopathic facial paralysis in childhood]

Fifty-nine cases of idiopathic peripheral facial palsy were diagnosed in our unit during the period from January 1, 1984 to December 31, 1989. During follow-up examinations we observed a relapse in eleven cases, corresponding to 18.6% of the patients. Nine patients suffered a relapse once, one case twice and another case four times. The children that presented more than one recurrence have later shown functional sequelae, both clinical and neurophysiological. We conclude that in our series of patients relapse of facial palsy is a factor that worsens the prognosis for recovery. Furthermore, the existence of facial palsy in the family history leads to a greater risk of a recurrence.