Facial paralysis in chronic suppurative otitis media

Sixty-four patients with a facial paralysis due to chronic suppurative otitis media were treated by surgical decompression during the 10-year period 1973 to 1982. Paralysis was clinically complete in 66% and incomplete in 34% of the patients. Cholesteatoma was found in 80%. Otogenic facial paralysis was more common as an isolated lesion not associated with other complications. When present, bone destruction of the facial canal was most frequently seen in its tympanic portion. The occurrence of facial paralysis did not depend on the extent of destruction of the facial canal. Facial nerve function recovered completely in 70%, partially in 24% and failure occurred in 6% of the patients.