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Updated: Jun 23, 2026
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A Primary Neuron Culture System for the Study of Herpes Simplex Virus Latency and Reactivation
Published on: April 2, 2012
Delayed facial nerve paralysis post middle ear surgery: herpes simplex virus activation
A De Stefano1, G Neri, G Kulamarva
1Dipartimento di Scienze Chirurgiche, Sperimentali e Cliniche, sezione di Otorinolaringoiatria, Università degli Studi G. d'Annunzio Chieti-Pescara, Italy. dr.adestefano@gmail.com
B-ENT
|May 22, 2009
Summary
Delayed facial nerve paralysis after middle ear surgery can be caused by herpes simplex virus reactivation. Suspect viral causes for palsy appearing over 72 hours post-procedure without infection signs.
Area of Science:
- Otolaryngology
- Neurosurgery
- Virology
Background:
- Facial nerve paralysis post middle ear surgery is a significant concern for otologic surgeons.
- Typically, paralysis results from surgical trauma or local anesthetic, with onset usually within 72 hours.
Observation:
- This case details facial nerve paralysis occurring 11 days after a canal wall-down mastoidectomy.
- The patient presented with delayed palsy without signs of infection.
Findings:
- Viral screening identified Herpes Virus type 1 as the cause of the delayed facial paralysis.
- This confirms a viral etiology for the post-operative nerve dysfunction.
Implications:
- Delayed facial nerve palsy (>72 hours) after uneventful middle ear surgery warrants consideration of viral reactivation, specifically herpes simplex virus.
- Early diagnosis and management of viral-induced facial nerve palsy can improve patient outcomes.
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