Vybhavi M.K.1 , Srinivas V.2
Facial nerve paralysis is a disorder causing noticeable disfigurement and emotional distress.1-4 Facial palsy may affect normal daily functions such as eating and drinking. It may disrupt the protective function of the eye lids. Facial nerve palsy can occur from a variety of causes. It can be idiopathic or caused by trauma (motor vehicle accidents), iatrogenic (surgery), infections (Bell’s palsy), radiation therapy and tumours.2,3,5-7 Temporal bone fractures are not rare injuries in patients having head trauma. 7 to 10% of temporal bone fractures are caused by road traffic accidents which lead to facial nerve palsy.4,7 A detailed history, clinical, otological and neurological examination, audiological evaluation and thin sections high resolution CT examination are important for a proper diagnosis and early intervention. Management of facial nerve paralysis with facial nerve decompression is a surgical challenge.8,9 Here, we report a case of lower motor neuron type of facial palsy in temporal bone trauma in an 18-yr. old male who improved with early surgical intervention.
