Delayed-onset facial paralysis after vestibular neurectomy

Jeffrey T. Vrabec, Newton J. Coker, Herman A. Jenkins

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

11 Scopus citations

Abstract

Objectives/Hypothesis: Delayed-onset facial paralysis (beginning more than 3 d after the procedure) has been described as a complication of many different types of otological procedures. The incidence of this problem in vestibular neurectomy and the relationship to surgical approach are detailed in the study. Study Design: Retrospective case review. Methods: In the setting of a tertiary referral center, vestibular neurectomy was performed in 70 individuals with disabling vertigo unresponsive to medical therapy who elected vestibular neurectomy. The main outcome measure was incidence of delayed onset facial paralysis. Results: Delayed-onset facial paralysis was significantly more common after the middle fossa (18%) and translabyrinthine (11%) approaches compared with the retrosigmoid approach (0%) Conclusions: Surgical approach influences the incidence of delayed-onset facial paralysis. Measures to prevent this complication such as prophylactic antiviral medication or labyrinthine segment decompression may be considered in middle fossa and translabyrinthine operations.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)1128-1131
Number of pages4
JournalLaryngoscope
Volume113
Issue number7
DOIs
StatePublished - Jul 1 2003

Keywords

  • Facial paralysis
  • Herpes simplex virus
  • Prophylaxis
  • Varicella zoster virus

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Otorhinolaryngology

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