Unilateral Facial Paralysis in the Pediatric Patient.

• Type of Material: Article
• Authors: Kavita Dedhia, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia; Cinzia Marchica, McGill University; Douglas Mattox, Emory University
• Language: English
• Date: 2021-01-14
• Publisher: Cureus, Inc.
• Publication Version: Final Published Version
• Copyright Statement: © 2021 Dedhia et al.
• License: Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International
• Final Published Version (URL): http://dx.doi.org/10.7759/cureus.12701
• Title of Journal or Parent Work: Cureus
• Volume: 13
• Issue: 1
• Start Page: e12701
• End Page: e12701
• Grant/Funding Information: None declared
• Keywords: internal auditory canal lesion; neurofibromatosis; hemangioma; neurofibromatosis 1; facial nerve paralysis; neuroma; sensorineural hearing loss; schwannoma; arachnoid cyst; meningioma
• Research Categories: Health Sciences, Health Care Management; Health Sciences, Public Health; Biology, Neuroscience; Health Sciences, Human Development

Abstract

Unilateral facial paralysis (FP) in the pediatric population is a rare entity secondary to multiple etiologies including infectious, vascular, and neoplastic. In persistent or recurrent FP, imaging can demonstrate a peripheral facial nerve (FN) lesion. Given the rarity of FN lesions, however, there is limited literature regarding optimal management. In this case series, we describe the presentation, evaluation, and management of unilateral FP in three pediatric patients along with a review of the literature. All patients presented with complete FP due to a peripheral FN lesion or compression of the FN. A combined mastoid and middle cranial fossa approach was utilized for excision in two cases, and the other child underwent a translabyrinthine approach. The pathology of the lesions revealed a meningioma, an arachnoid cyst, and a hemangioma. Presentation, evaluation, post-operative outcomes, as well as final pathologies are discussed.