abstract nr.: O118

RESULT OF FACIAL NERVE DECOMPRESSION FOR FACIAL NERVE PARALYSIS DUE TO TEMPORAL BONE TRAUMA

Author: N.B. Prahlada, Karnataka ENT Institute & Research Centr, Chitradurga, India
Co-author(s): P.P. Devan, Kasturba Medical College, Mangalore, India
Topic: Results
Keywords: Temporal bone fractures, House-Brackmann system, Facial Nerve Paralysis, Facial nerve decompression
 
OBJECTIVE: The management of facial nerve injury resulting from temporal bone fracture remains a controversy even today. Fourteen patients are presented who sustained immediate complete facial paralysis following closed head trauma. The indications for surgery, role of electrophysiologic testing, the proper timing and extent of surgical exploration are the principal questions debated. The goal of this study is to assess the cause and treatment of facial paralysis in temporal bone trauma. Fourteen patients are presented who sustained immediate and complete facial paralysis following closed head trauma.

METHODS: A retrospective review of 14 patients with facial paralysis resulting from temporal bone trauma was conducted. All patients underwent facial nerve decompression at the earliest possible moment, despite the results of the electrophysiological tests. The most frequent site of injury was the area of the geniculate ganglion followed by vertical segment. House-Brackmann(H-B) system was used to evaluate the recovery of facial nerve function

RESULTS: They all had good recovery of facial function within 6 months of surgery. However, the degree of recovery dependent on the timing of the surgery. Patients who had undergone early facial nerve decompression has better prognosis.

CONCLUSION : Surgical decompression is effective on facial nerve palsy caused by temporal bone trauma. It is recommended that surgical decompression be carried out as soon as possible since a better prognosis is obtained if it is performed within six months after injury.


 
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