Facial nerve palsy in childhood

Brain Dev. 2011 Sep;33(8):644-50. doi: 10.1016/j.braindev.2010.11.001. Epub 2010 Dec 8.

Abstract

Facial nerve palsy in children is usually idiopathic but can also result from many conditions such as neoplasias, systemic diseases, or congenital anomalies with poor prognosis. Children with idiopathic facial palsy (Bell's palsy) have a very good prognosis, while treatment with prednisone does not certainly improve the outcome. The causes of facial nerve palsy in childhood differ from those in adults. A detailed investigation and differential diagnosis are recommended for facial palsy in children.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Bell Palsy / etiology*
  • Bell Palsy / physiopathology*
  • Bell Palsy / therapy
  • Child
  • Diagnosis, Differential
  • Facial Nerve / physiology*
  • Facial Nerve Diseases / etiology*
  • Facial Nerve Diseases / physiopathology*
  • Facial Nerve Diseases / therapy
  • Glucocorticoids / therapeutic use
  • Humans
  • Prednisone / therapeutic use
  • Prognosis
  • Treatment Outcome

Substances

  • Glucocorticoids
  • Prednisone