Parotid abscess causing facial palsy in a child: A case report

Introduction: This case report describes a rare parotid abscess complicated by facial palsy in a child and the outcomes after treatment. Case presentation: We report the second case of pediatric PA complicated by facial nerve palsy in a healthy 12- year-old child with good oral hygiene. The patient presented with an acute painful right parotid swelling, with localized fluctuance. The paralysis was Grade IV, according to the House and Brackmann classification. The patient received appropriate intravenous antibiotic therapy and surgical drainage. Staphylococcus aureus was cultured. Upon follow-up, the infection and swelling subsided, and there was a significant improvement in facial nerve graded as II (House-Brackmann). Discussion: Managing facial palsy due to parotid abscess in children is rare, and gaining clinical expertise in this area can be challenging. While intravenous antibiotics are essential, surgical drainage of PA can aid in recovery. The prognosis is better in cases of incomplete facial paralysis. Conclusion: This case highlights the importance of early targeted antibiotic therapy and surgical drainage on the prognosis of facial motor function recovery.