Recurrent facial baroparesis on airplane flights relieved by endoscopic sinus surgery: A case report

Facial baroparesis is a rare transient facial nerve palsy caused by compression of the tympanic segment of the facial nerve. However, otolaryngologists are lacking sufficient information about the course and treatment of this disease. We report a case of facial baroparesis relieved by endoscopic sinus surgery (ESS). A 41-year-old man presented with a one-year history of recurrent right facial palsy that only developed during altitude changes in an aircraft. Computed tomography (CT) of the temporal bone revealed dehiscence of the tympanic portion of the facial nerve canal. Based on the CT finding and clinical course, the patient was diagnosed with facial baroparesis. He was also diagnosed with chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps (CRSwNP), and thereafter underwent ESS. For 4 years after surgery, he has not experienced facial palsy during airplane altitude changes. To our knowledge, this is the first case report of facial baroparesis relieved by ESS.

Automated summary

Facial baroparesis, a rare condition caused by compression of the facial nerve, can be relieved by endoscopic sinus surgery (ESS). We report the case of a 41-year-old man who experienced recurrent facial palsy during altitude changes in an aircraft. CT scan revealed dehiscence of the tympanic portion of the facial nerve canal, leading to the diagnosis of facial baroparesis. After undergoing ESS, the patient has been free of facial palsy during airplane altitude changes for 4 years. This is the first reported case of facial baroparesis relieved by ESS.