The clinical analysis of facial nerve paralysis due to suppurative otitis media

Objective: To explore the clinical feature and treatment of facial nerve paralysis due to suppurative otitis media. Method:The clinical data of 12 patients with otogenic facial paralysis was analyzed retrospectively. 1 of 12 patients resulted from acute suppurative otitis media, while other 11 patients from chronic otitis media. The duration of facial palsy was 1～330 days, average 58 days. Results: The incidence rate of facial paralysis due to suppurative otitis media was 2.65%. 10 out of 12 patients performed surgery had cholesteatoma or with granulation in their middle ear cavities and facial nerve partial absence or bone of fallopian canal destruction or dehiscence. Other 2 patients had only granulation in their surgical fields and had no fallopian canal destruction.The tympanic segment was the most common site of involvement in 8 patients. 6 patients demonstrated complete facial function recovery after surgery, 3 patients patial recovery, and other 3 patients no recovery. Conclusion: The incidence rate of facial paralysis due to suppurative otitis media has been low down in these years. The dehiscent facial canal and middle ear cholesteatoma are the major risk factors of facial paralysis resulting from suppurative otitis media and the tympanic segment is the most common site of involvement. The surgery is effective to reduce the damage of the disease and recover the facial nerve functions.