Parálisis facial alternobárica: a propósito de un caso y revisión de la literatura / Alternobaric facial palsy: case report and literature review

La parálisis o paresia facial alternobárica es una neuropraxia del séptimo nervio cra-neal debido a cambios de presión. Se produce en el contexto de una disfunción de la trompa de Eustaquio, una dehiscencia canal del nervio facial y cambios en la presión atmosférica. Se considera una rara complicación de barotrauma. Su prevalencia es difícil de estimar y, probablemente, se encuentre subreportada. La forma de presentación más habitual incluye paresia facial, plenitud aural, hipoacusia, otalgia, parestesias faciales y linguales. La mayoría de los episodios son transitorios, con una duración entre minutos y algunas horas, con recuperación posterior completa. Entre los diagnósticos diferenciales se encuentran causas periféricas y centrales de paresia facial, las cuales hay que sospechar ante la persistencia de los síntomas en el tiempo o ante la presencia de otros signos o síntomas neurológicos. La evaluación inicial debe incluir un examen otoneurológico completo. La tomografía computarizada de hueso temporal favorece la visualización de posibles dehiscencias del canal del facial. La prevención de nuevos episodios incluye la práctica de ecualización efectiva, la resolución de la disfunción de la trompa de Eustaquio y en algunos casos específicos, métodos alternativos de ventilación del oído medio como la colocación de tubos de ventilación. Una vez instalada la parálisis facial, si no se produce recuperación espontánea, el uso de corticoides es una opción. Se presenta un caso de paresia facial alternobárica recurrente y una revisión de literatura.

Alternobaric facial palsy or paralysis is a neuropraxia of the seventh cranial nerve due to pressure changes. It occurs in the context of Eustachian tube dysfunction, facial nerve canal dehiscence, and changes in atmospheric pressure. It is considered a rare complication of barotrauma. Its prevalence is difficult to estimated, and this condition is probably underreported. The most common form of presentation includes facial weakness, ear fullness or pressure, hearing loss, otalgia, facial and lingual paresthesias. Most episodes are transient, lasting from minutes to a few hours, with a subsequent complete recovery. Among the possible differential diagnoses are peripheral and central causes of facial paralysis, which must be suspected due to the persistence of symptoms over time or the presence of other neurological signs or symptoms. The initial evaluation should include a complete otoneurological examination. Computed tomography of the temporal bone is useful for the visualization of facial canal dehiscence. Prevention of further episodes includes practicing effective equalization, Eustachian tube dysfunction treatment, and in certain specific cases, alternative middle ear ventilation methods such as tympanostomy tubes. Once facial paralysis is established, if spontaneous recovery does not occur, the use of corticosteroids is considered an option. A case of recurrent alternobaric facial paresis and a review of the literature are presented.

Comparison between early and delayed facial nerve decompression in traumatic facial nerve paralysis - A retrospective study

ABSTRACT Purpose To study the intraoperative findings in case of early and delayed decompression of facial nerve paralysis and compare their results. Methods Retrospective data analysis of 23 cases of longitudinal temporal bone fracture with House-Brackmann grade V and VI facial nerve paralysis. All cases were thoroughly evaluated and underwent facial nerve decompression through the transmastoid approach. All cases were under regular follow-up till the date of manuscript submission. Results Clinical improvement of the facial nerve function was observed for early vs. delayed facial nerve decompression. In the early decompression group, facial nerve function improved to grade II in eight cases (80%) and grade III in two cases (20%), whereas in the delayed decompression group it improved to grade II in one case (7.70%), grade III in four cases (30.76%), grade IV in seven cases (53.84%), and grade V in one case (7.70%). Conclusions Early decompression of facial nerve provides better results than delayed decompression because it enables early expansion of the nerve.