Idiopathic facial paralysis in children

Objective: To evaluate pediatric subjects who were diagnosed and treated for Bell's palsy. Material and Methods: Between January 2007 and January 2011, pediatric subjects who were diagnosed and treated with the diagnosis of idiopathic facial paralysis were enrolled for this study. All the subjects' medical records were reviewed for demographic data, history of upper respiratory infection, family history, and severity of initial paralysis, treatment and outcomes. All subjects received high dose steroid therapy (methyl prednisolone 1mg/kg-in decreasing doses) with medications for eye and gastric protection. Results: 61 subjects with 66 facial paralysis episode were evaluated. The mean age was 8.73 +/- 3.11 (range 2-14). Thirty seven (60%) out of 61 subjects were male whereas remaining 24 (40%) were female. Thirty seven (56.1%) out of 66 episodes were seen on left side whereas remaining 29 (43.9%) episodes were seen on left. 72.7% of the admissions were within first 24 hour. (mean 1,45 +/- 0.64, range 1-4 days). In five (8.2%) cases family history was positive. In 19 (28. 8%) cases upper respiratory infection history was positive. The initial facial paralysis grade was grade 2 in 3 (4.5%), grade 3 in 6 (9.11%), grade 4 in 16 (24.2%), grade 5 in 37 (56.1%), grade 6 in 4 (6.1%) episodes. 56 (84.9%) subjects were completely recovered at the end of 6 month. Eight (12.1%) subjects were remained with grade 1, 2 subjects were remained with grade 2 paralysis. Conclusions: Our results indicate that Bell's palsy has a favorable prognosis. But even with steroid therapy some patients heal with sequelae.