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Updated: Jun 12, 2026
19:53
Single-stage Dynamic Reanimation of the Smile in Irreversible Facial Paralysis by Free Functional Muscle Transfer
Published on: March 1, 2015
Facial nerve paralysis after cervical traction.
1Department of Anesthesia, Chi-Mei Medical Center, Chia Nan University of Pharmacy and Science, Tainan, Taiwan.
American Journal of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation
|June 10, 2010
Summary
Cervical traction therapy can rarely cause unilateral facial nerve paralysis. This rare complication resolved with medication and discontinuing the traction treatment.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation
Background:
- Cervical traction is a common rehabilitation treatment for cervical spine issues.
- The technique aims to decompress the spinal cord or nerve roots via harness-induced traction.
- Known complications include neck pain, muscle injury, and radicular discomfort.
Observation:
- A case of unilateral facial nerve paralysis following four weeks of intermittent cervical traction is presented.
- Nerve conduction velocity studies indicated peripheral-type facial nerve paralysis.
- Symptoms resolved after prednisolone treatment and cessation of traction therapy.
Findings:
- This is the first reported case of facial nerve paralysis linked to cervical traction.
- Potential causes include direct harness compression on the facial nerve or external carotid artery.
- Other possibilities include coincidental herpes zoster infection or idiopathic Bell's palsy.
Implications:
- Clinicians should be aware of the potential for rare neurological complications from cervical traction.
- Proper harness placement and tension are crucial to prevent nerve injury.
- Further investigation may be needed to elucidate the exact mechanism of paralysis.
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