Document
Idiopathic non-traumatic facial nerve palsy (Bell's Palsy) in neonates ; an atypical age and management dilemma.
Identifier
DOI 10.5001/omj.2018.12
Contributors
Ibrahim, Khalid., Author
Publisher
Oman Medical Specialty Board.
Gregorian
2018-01
Language
English
Subject
English abstract
Idiopathic (Bell's) palsy is the commonest cause of unilateral facial paralysis in children. Although being idiopathic by definition, possible infectious, inflammatory, and ischemic triggers have been suggested. Bell's palsy is thought to be responsible for up to three-fourths of cases of acute unilateral facial paralysis worldwide. The diagnosis has to be reached after other causes of acute peripheral palsy have been excluded. However, it is rarely described in neonates and young infants. Steroids may have some role in treatment, but antiviral therapies have doubtful evidence of benefit. Prognosis is good, though residual dysfunction is occasionally encountered. We report the case of a two-week-old neonate with no prior illnesses who presented with acute left facial palsy. Clinical findings and normal brain imaging were consistent with the diagnosis of Bell's palsy. The patient had a good response to oral steroids.
Member of
Resource URL
Citation
Khair, Abdulhafeez M., & Ibrahim, Khalid (2018). Idiopathic non-traumatic facial nerve palsy (Bell's Palsy) in neonates ; an atypical age and management dilemma. Oman Medical Journal, 33 (1), 65-68.
Category
Journal articles