Facial nerve palsy in otitis externa: A red flag?

@#Otitis externa is an infection of the external auditory canal. It rarely results in facial palsy except in severe cases such as necrotizing otitis externa, which is a life-threatening invasive infection of the external auditory canal. Early recognition with prompt and appropriate treatment of necrotizing otitis externa is crucial to prevent more sinister complications. Here we report a case of an elderly gentleman who presented with otitis externa and developed facial palsy a month later. We identified possible problems that may have led to the complication so that such an occurrence can be prevented in the future.

A Rare Case of Idiopathic Intracranial Hypertension in Prepubertal Age

@#A 2-year-old girl who was under genetic follow up for developmental delay and dysmorphism was accidentally found to have bilateral optic disc swelling during screening examination. She showed response to optokinetic drum examination and the anterior segment examination was unremarkable. Optic disc swellings were seen in both eyes. Lumbar puncture shows high opening pressure of 50 cm H2O with unremarkable CSF analysis. MRI of brain was done and showed features in keeping with mild cerebral atrophy, with no evidence of hydrocephalus or space occupying lesion. She was diagnosed with idiopathic intracranial hypertension and oral acetazolamide 125mg bd was commenced. However, papilloedema persist despite medical therapy. Ventriculoperitonel shunt was inserted to reduce the csf pressure. This case report highlights the importance of considering idiopathic intracranial hypertension as a cause of optic disc swelling in pre-pubertal children because delay in diagnosis and treatment may permanently affect visual function especially in children.