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Facial Baroparesis Mimicking Stroke
Diann M Krywko1, D Tyler Clare1, Mohamad Orabi2
1Medical University of South Carolina, Department of Emergency Medicine, Charleston, South Carolina.
Clinical Practice and Cases in Emergency Medicine
|June 1, 2018
Summary
Facial baroparesis, or facial nerve barotrauma, can cause temporary facial paralysis during airplane ascent. This rare condition, usually linked to scuba diving, was observed in a commercial flight passenger.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Aerospace Medicine
- Otolaryngology
Background:
- Facial nerve barotrauma is a rare condition.
- It is a known complication of scuba diving.
- Cases related to aviation are exceptionally infrequent.
Observation:
- A 55-year-old male experienced unilateral facial muscle paralysis during ascent on a commercial flight.
- Symptoms resolved spontaneously upon descent.
- This suggested a pressure-related etiology affecting the facial nerve.
Findings:
- The condition was diagnosed as facial nerve barotrauma (facial baroparesis).
- This diagnosis links barometric pressure changes during flight to facial nerve dysfunction.
- The case highlights an unusual presentation of barotrauma.
Implications:
- This case expands the known environmental triggers for facial baroparesis.
- It underscores the importance of considering barotrauma in patients with sudden-onset facial paralysis after air travel.
- Further research may elucidate the specific mechanisms and risk factors in aviation-related cases.
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