Bilateral facial nerve paralysis following arterial embolization for epistaxis

Risk of carotid artery embolization is usually attributed to inadvertent occlusion of the internal carotid system. This report highlights some recently noted complications associated with occlusion of external carotid branches. A case of bilateral facial paralysis following embolization of the internal maxillary arteries for severe epistaxis is presented. The clinician must recognize that facial paralysis is a real and sometimes inevitable sequela to the ever-increasing practice of arterial embolization in the head and neck.