Childhood Facial Palsy –A Case Report

Abstract

Bell’s palsy is defined as a neuropathy of the peripheral seventh cranial nerve or the facial nerve. It is usually from an idiopathic cause but it can result from traumatic, compressive, infective, inflammatory or metabolic abnormalities involving the facial nerve (1). Bell’s palsy is more common in adults than in children. The incidence of Bell’s palsy in children is about 6-7% (2). There are very few studies that describe the magnitude and prognostic features of Bells palsy in children. We present a case of Bell’s palsy in an 8-year-old child who completely recovered after treatment with oral antiviral agents and steroids followed by regular facial physiotherapy. The dilemma in management of Bell’s palsy in children along with a review of relevant literature is discussed in this report.