Pediatric Case of Facial Nerve Palsy as a Complication of Acute Otitis Media Caused by Non-typeable Haemophilus Influenza.

Abstract

Facial paralysis is an infrequent and serious potential complication of acute otitis media (AOM). We describe a pediatric case of rapidly progressive facial paralysis as a secondary complication alongside AOM, caused by the non-typeable Haemophilus influenzae (NTHi) strain, which was managed with facial nerve decompression, glucocorticoid medication, and antimicrobial chemotherapy. The reasons why NTHi becomes pathogenic in certain patients are not yet fully understood, and the specific interactions and adaptations that lead to complications must be further investigated, as they result in more complex treatment approaches.