Late onset of facial nerve palsy after tympanomastoidectomy: HSV-1 activation?

Abstract

We present a case right peripheral facial palsy occurred 7 days after an operation. A 42-year-old female patient had an uneventful right tympanomastoidectomy in our clinic.  She developed right Hause-Brackmann Grade II peripheral facial palsy postoperative at the 7^th day. A viral screen was performed using an Enzyme Immuneassay. Herpes Simplex Virus -1 specific antibody titer was determined on the 2^nd day of facial palsy, confirming the viral etiology. She was commenced on steroid therapy. Her facial nerve functions recovered completely after one week.

Keywords

• Facial palsy, tympanomastoidectomy, HSV-1

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