Facial nerve palsy: etiology and approach to diagnosis and treatment

Pediatr Emerg Care. 2010 Oct;26(10):763-9; quiz 770-3. doi: 10.1097/PEC.0b013e3181f3bd4a.

Abstract

Facial nerve palsy has a broad differential diagnosis and possible psychological and anatomical consequences. A thorough investigation must be performed to determine the cause of the palsy and to direct treatment. If no cause can be found, therapy with prednisone with or without an antiviral medication can be considered and begun as early as possible after onset of symptoms. Resolution and time to recovery vary with etiology, but overall prognosis is good.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Anti-Inflammatory Agents / therapeutic use
  • Antiviral Agents / therapeutic use
  • Bell Palsy / epidemiology
  • Bell Palsy / virology
  • Child
  • Child, Preschool
  • Diagnostic Imaging
  • Facial Nerve / anatomy & histology
  • Facial Nerve Diseases* / diagnosis
  • Facial Nerve Diseases* / epidemiology
  • Facial Nerve Diseases* / etiology
  • Facial Nerve Diseases* / genetics
  • Facial Nerve Diseases* / therapy
  • Facial Nerve Diseases* / virology
  • Facial Nerve Injuries / complications
  • Facial Nerve Injuries / congenital
  • Facial Paralysis* / diagnosis
  • Facial Paralysis* / epidemiology
  • Facial Paralysis* / etiology
  • Facial Paralysis* / therapy
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Hypertension / complications
  • Incidence
  • Infant
  • Lyme Disease / complications
  • Lyme Disease / drug therapy
  • Male
  • Otitis Media / complications
  • Otitis Media / drug therapy
  • Otitis Media / surgery
  • Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic
  • Virus Diseases / complications

Substances

  • Anti-Inflammatory Agents
  • Antiviral Agents