Aetiological profile of facial nerve palsy in north central Nigeria

Background: Facial nerve abnormalities represent a broad spectrum of lesions which are commonly seen by the otolaryngologist.The aim of this paper is to highlight the aetiologic profile of facial nerve palsy.Methods: A retrospective study of patients with facial nerve palsy seen in the Ear, Nose and Throat clinic for 5 years.Results: The study comprised of 25 patients, made of 16(64%) males and 9(36%) females (M:F = 1.7:1).The age ranged between 6months and 80years, mean of 32.1years (SD=16.38),with peak presentation seen in the 30-40years age group.Bell's palsy 13(52%), road traffic injury 5(20%) and chronic suppurative otitis media 3(12%) are the commonest cause.The others are stroke 2(8%), measles infection 1(4%) and middle ear tumor 1(4%).Spontaneous recovery was observed in 40%.Conclusion: Bell's palsy was the commonest cause of facial nerve palsy, however aetiologies cut across all age groups.male slightly more affected.This serves as data base for clinical evaluation of facial palsy in our environment.