Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 13, 2026

Single-stage Dynamic Reanimation of the Smile in Irreversible Facial Paralysis by Free Functional Muscle Transfer
Published on: March 1, 2015
Neglected keratosis obturans causing facial nerve palsy
1Department of Otolaryngology/Head and Neck Surgery, Royal Victoria Eye and Ear Hospital, Dublin, Ireland. fglynn@rcsi.ie
Abstract:
Keratosis obturans is characterized by the accumulation of desquamated keratinous material in the bony portion of the external auditory canal. Classically, it is reported to present with severe otalgia, conductive hearing loss and global widening of the external auditory canal. Extensive erosion of the bony meatus, with exposure of the facial nerve, has been previously reported, but no case of facial nerve palsy has as yet been published. We report the first published case, to our knowledge, of a unilateral facial nerve palsy secondary to neglected keratosis obturans.
Related Concept Videos
Cranial Nerves: Overview and Anatomy
Cranial Nerves: Types Part I
Olfactory Nerve (Cranial Nerve I)
The olfactory nerve, or cranial nerve I, is unique as it is purely sensory and dedicated to the sense of smell. This nerve originates in the olfactory epithelium of the...
Cranial Nerves: Types Part II
Facial Nerve (Cranial Nerve VII)
Cranial nerve VII, or the facial nerve,...
Olfactory Receptors: Location and Structure
Prosopagnosia

