Facial paralysis of unknown etiology

Abstract

A 71-year-old woman was seen at the Columbia University College of Dental Medicine owing to a 1-year history of progressive right facial paralysis and pain involving the area of the right parotid gland (PG) and ear. The pain had preceded the paralysis by 6 months and was described as a constant, burning sensation of moderate intensity. The woman had received care for this problem from several medical specialists, including prescriptions for an antiviral agent (acyclovir), anti-inflammatory medications (ibuprofen and prednisone), and acupuncture, to no avail. The patient had no other medical problems, and she denied use of medications other than those prescribed for the facial nerve palsy (FP). She was referred to the Salivary Gland Center at the Columbia University College of Dental Medicine after seeing her general dentist, who excluded an odontogenic cause for her facial discomfort. Dr. Kevin C. Lee is a resident, Division of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Columbia University College of Dental Medicine, New York, NY. Mr. Jason J. Lee is a research assistant, Salivary Gland Center, and a third-year dental student, Columbia University College of Dental Medicine, New York, NY. Dr. Peters is an assistant professor, Division of Oral and Maxillofacial Pathology, Columbia University College of Dental Medicine, New York, NY. Dr. Mandel is the director, Salivary Gland Center, and an associate dean and a clinical professor, Division of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Columbia University College of Dental Medicine, 630 W 168 St, New York, NY 10032.