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Single-stage Dynamic Reanimation of the Smile in Irreversible Facial Paralysis by Free Functional Muscle Transfer
Published on: March 1, 2015
[Facial palsy caused by otitis media with effusion in a 9-year old child]
V Pino Rivero1, M Marcos García, G Trinidad Ruiz
1Complejo Universitario Infanta Cristina--Badajoz. vicentepinorivero@terra.com
Insights
A rare case of pediatric facial palsy linked to otitis media with effusion was successfully treated. Myringotomy and tympanic drainage resolved the effusion and fully restored facial nerve function in 9 weeks.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Otolaryngology
- Neurology
Background:
- Otitis media with effusion (OME) is common in children, but rarely associated with facial nerve palsy.
- Facial palsy can have various causes, including viral infections and trauma, with OME being an atypical etiology.
Observation:
- A 9-year-old child presented with right-sided OME and concurrent homolateral peripheral facial palsy.
- This specific combination of OME and facial palsy is infrequently documented in medical literature.
Findings:
- The child underwent myringotomy with the insertion of transtympanic drainage tubes.
- Complete recovery of facial nerve function was observed 9 weeks post-procedure.
Implications:
- This case highlights a potential, albeit uncommon, neurological complication of OME in pediatric patients.
- Prompt surgical intervention, such as tympanostomy tube insertion, can lead to favorable outcomes in resolving OME-associated facial palsy.
Abstract:
We report the case of a 9 years old child diagnosed as right otitis media with effusion associated to homolateral and peripherical facial palsy, fact very uncommon in the reviewed literature. The patient was treated by miringotomy and insertion of transtympanic drainage recovering his facial function totally after 9 weeks.
