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Published on: May 5, 2020
Traumatic facial nerve neuroma with facial palsy presenting in infancy
James H Clark1, Peter C Burger, Derek Kofi Boahene
1Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21287, USA. jclark79@jhmi.edu
Insights
Traumatic neuroma of the facial nerve can occur in infants presenting with facial palsy, even without a clear history of trauma. Management requires complex surgical intervention, such as nerve anastomosis, to restore facial nerve function.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Otolaryngology
- Neurosurgery
- Facial Nerve Surgery
Background:
- Traumatic neuromas are rare, particularly in infants.
- Facial palsy in children necessitates thorough investigation to identify underlying causes.
Observation:
- A 16-month-old male presented with right facial palsy.
- Radiological imaging revealed a right facial nerve traumatic neuroma.
- Surgical resection and facial nerve-to-hypoglossal nerve anastomosis were performed.
Findings:
- The traumatic neuroma was successfully resected via a transmastoid, middle fossa approach.
- Postoperative improvement in facial nerve function was observed.
- Facial palsy resolved following surgical intervention.
Implications:
- Traumatic neuroma should be considered in the differential diagnosis of infant facial palsy.
- Early diagnosis and surgical management are crucial for optimal outcomes in pediatric facial nerve lesions.
- This case highlights the complexity of managing facial nerve traumatic neuromas in young children.
Objective:
To describe the management of traumatic neuroma of the facial nerve in a child and literature review.
Patient:
Sixteen-month-old male subject.
Intervention:
Radiological imaging and surgery.
Main Outcome Measures:
Facial nerve function.
Results:
The patient presented at 16 months with a right facial palsy and was found to have a right facial nerve traumatic neuroma. A transmastoid, middle fossa resection of the right facial nerve lesion was undertaken with a successful facial nerve-to-hypoglossal nerve anastomosis. The facial palsy improved postoperatively.
Conclusion:
A traumatic neuroma should be considered in an infant who presents with facial palsy, even in the absence of an obvious history of trauma. The treatment of such lesion is complex in any age group but especially in young children. Symptoms, age, lesion size, growth rate, and facial nerve function determine the appropriate management.
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