Pathophysiology of hemifacial spasm: III. Effects of facial nerve decompression

Neurology ◽  
1984 ◽  
Vol 34 (7) ◽  
pp. 891-891 ◽  
Author(s):  
V. K. Nielsen ◽  
P. J. Jannetta
Neurosurgery ◽  
1983 ◽  
Vol 13 (2) ◽  
pp. 141-146 ◽  
Author(s):  
John D. Loeser ◽  
James Chen

Abstract The literature on hemifacial spasm and its surgical therapy is reviewed, and the authors' experiences with 20 patients are described. Vascular cross compression of the facial nerve adjacent to the brain stem is seen in 90% of the surgical patients. Mobilizing the offending vessel will cure or significantly improve approximately 80% of the patients. Complications occur in 25% of the patients and usually involve decreased hearing or facial weakness. Mortality is virtually zero, and this operation is vastly superior to any other medical or surgical therapy for hemifacial spasm. The pathophysiology is not yet understood.


1996 ◽  
Vol 105 (1) ◽  
pp. 58-62 ◽  
Author(s):  
Clark A. Elliott ◽  
George H. Zalzal ◽  
Wendy R. Gottlieb

We reviewed 10 children who presented with facial paralysis after the onset of acute otitis media. The objective of the study was to examine the outcome of facial paralysis in children with acute otitis media treated without facial nerve decompression. Two groups were identified: 8 patients with incomplete paralysis and 2 with complete paralysis. Seven of the 8 patients with incomplete paralysis had rapid return of function after myringotomy and intravenous antibiotics. The eighth patient had delayed recovery requiring 9 months before complete return of function. The 2 patients with complete paralysis required mastoidectomy to control otorrhea and fever after initial myringotomy and antibiotics. Both patients had a prolonged recovery requiring 3 and 7 months for complete recovery. Patients with incomplete paralysis generally show rapid improvement following wide myringotomy and antibiotic treatment. A more protracted recovery may be expected in patients with complete paralysis; excellent return of function is expected when mastoidectomy without facial nerve decompression is employed.


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