Post-traumatic bilateral facial palsy: a case report and literature review

Abstract

Bilateral facial paralysis due to basilar skull fracture involving the temporal bone is rare and, unlike unilateral facial palsy, it can be difficult to recognize because of a lack of facial asymmetry. Thorough clinical history and physical exam, high-resolution CT scan and electrodiagnostic tests can help to make the diagnosis of bilateral facial nerve palsy and early detection, evaluation and intervention may be important for optimal functional recovery. A 16-year-old male sustained closed head injury after motor vehicle collision. The initial head CT scan showed bilateral temporal bone fractures. On admission to the neurotrauma intensive care unit, his Glasgow Coma Score was 9T. On post-injury day 4, the patient was noted to have incomplete closure of both eyes and 3 days later he had difficulty with bilateral facial muscle movement during a feeding trial. Electrodiagnostic testing confirmed the diagnosis of bilateral facial nerve injury without evidence of significant distal axonal degeneration. A high-resolution CT scan showed bilateral temporal bone fractures without involvement of the fallopian canals. There was no surgical intervention based on the high-resolution CT scan and the delayed onset of facial palsy. A short course of prednisone was administered. By 10 months, the patient showed nearly complete recovery of his bilateral facial nerve function. Early detection, evaluation and intervention are important for optimal functional recovery after facial nerve injury. When the temporal bone is fractured, high suspicion for facial nerve injury, either unilateral or bilateral, is warranted.