An unusual case of facial nerve palsy due to minor face trauma: A rare case report

Abstract

There can be various causes of facial palsy, and sometimes the cause remains unidentified (Bell's palsy). Among the various causes of facial palsy, trauma is a major one. Depending on the severity of paralysis, traumatic facial palsy can be medically managed using corticosteroid and eye care or with surgical decompression. In selective cases with incomplete facial palsy, radio-imaging studies may not always be required. We present the case of a 13-year-old boy who presented to the primary-level hospital with a complaint of facial palsy following minor trauma to the face (slapped over the face by a friend). His Sunnybrook Score was 63/100. We managed him with prednisolone (1 mg/kg/day) for 2 weeks and then tapered, and with eye care with artificial tears for 6 weeks. There was a complete resolution of symptoms in 6 weeks. Incomplete facial paralysis due to trauma to the face can be managed medically with corticosteroids and proper eye care with artificial tears.

Keywords: Bell’s palsy; Trauma; case report; facial palsy.