P162: Etiology and Outcome of Pediatric Facial Nerve Palsy

Abstract

Objective: Characterize the demographics, etiologies, treatment and outcome of children presenting with facial paresis at two tertiary care pediatric hospitals. Study Design and Setting: Retrospective chart review. Children 0 18 years old admitted for facial nerve palsy between April 1989 and April 2005 were identified and pertinent information was recorded from their medical records. The facial palsy severity was scored using the House-Brackmann grading scale. Results: 280 cases of facial nerve paralysis were identified. Etiologies of facial nerve palsy were otologic infections (n = 56), congenital (n= 43), neoplasms (n=40), forceps use at birth (n=28), Bell’s palsy (n= 22), post-operative complication (n=16) and trauma (n=16). Other etiologies were found in the 59 remaining patients. Outcome varied between 100% complete recovery for forceps trauma cases to 23% complete recovery in postoperative complication cases. Conclusion: This represents the largest case series on facial nerve palsy in children. The etiologies of facial palsy in children are different from the ones reported in adults and are associated with a more favourable outcome. A better understanding of this condition and its various etiologies is necessary to obtain an accurate diagnosis and adjust the treatment accordingly. Results Summary of results by etiology