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Pediatric bilateral facial paralysis
1Department of Otolaryngology and Communicative Disorders, Cleveland Clinic Foundation, Ohio 44195, USA.
Insights
Bilateral facial paralysis in children is rare, often challenging to diagnose. This study presents four pediatric cases, highlighting diverse causes like infections and leukemia, and reviews diagnostic and treatment approaches.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Neurology
- Otolaryngology
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Bilateral facial paralysis is uncommon, affecting less than 1% of facial paralysis cases.
- Pediatric bilateral facial paralysis is exceptionally rare, posing diagnostic challenges.
Observation:
- Presents four pediatric cases (ages 3-17) with bilateral facial paralysis.
- Identified etiologies include acute otitis media, Lyme disease, recurrent CNS leukemia, and acute disseminated encephalomyelitis.
Findings:
- Demonstrates the varied origins of pediatric bilateral facial paralysis.
- Highlights the importance of a comprehensive diagnostic workup for rare pediatric conditions.
Implications:
- Informs clinicians on diagnosing and managing rare pediatric bilateral facial paralysis.
- Contributes to the understanding of diverse etiologies in pediatric facial nerve disorders.
Abstract:
Bilateral facial paralysis is an unusual clinical entity that occurs in less than 1% of patients with facial paralysis. In children bilateral facial paralysis is even more rare, and establishing its etiology can be challenging. Four pediatric patients ranging in age from 3 to 17 years are presented who developed bilateral facial paralysis as a result of acute otitis media, Lyme disease, recurrent central nervous system leukemia, and acute disseminated encephalomyelitis. The diagnosis and treatment of pediatric bilateral facial paralysis are reviewed, as well as the pertinent literature.