Facial palsy associated with acute otitis media

OBJECTIVE. Facial palsy secondary to acute otitis media is rarely encountered today. The aim of the present study was to review the characteristics of the disease and propose the proper management. STUDY DESIGN: File review. SETTING: University-affiliated tertiary referral center. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Disease course, management and outcome were recorded. RESULTS: Sixty-five children with facial palsy were identified, of whom 13 (20%) had acute otitis media. The otitis media preceded the facial palsy in all cases by 1 to 21 days (average 5 days). House-Brackmann grade ranged from 2 to 5 (average 3.5). The recovery period was varied and unpredictable, ranging in duration from 1 to 180 days (average 68 days). Treatment was conservative, except for insertion of a ventilation tube in 2 cases. CONCLUSIONS: Considering that all the patients recovered, conservative treatment, including myringotomy and intravenous antibiotics, may be the correct approach to facial palsy associated with acute otitis media.