A Multi-Institutional Review of Characteristics of Idiopathic Versus Non-Idiopathic Facial Paralysis.

IF 2.2 3区医学 Q3 MEDICINE, RESEARCH & EXPERIMENTAL Laryngoscope Pub Date : 2025-03-15 DOI:10.1002/lary.32112

Shreya Mandava, Katherine Gossett, Neil P Monaghan, Shaun A Nguyen, Michelle Hwang, Krishna Patel, Samuel Oyer

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引用次数: 0

Abstract

Objective: Occult lesions involving the facial nerve can be misdiagnosed as idiopathic facial paralysis, also known as Bell's palsy. Our goal was to compare the clinical features of patients with idiopathic/viral versus non-idiopathic facial paralysis and identify predictors of malignant etiologies.

Methods: Retrospective chart review of 276 patients referred for surgical management of facial paralysis at two large facial nerve tertiary care centers.

Results: A total of 176 patients had idiopathic/viral facial paralysis (IFP) and 60 patients had non-idiopathic facial paralysis (non-IFP), including malignancies (50/60), benign neoplasms/nerve sheath tumors (8/60), and systemic/CNS disorders (2/60). Non-IFP was more likely to be characterized by gradual onset (57.4% vs. 10.3%; p < 0.01), progressive course (65.0% vs. 19.8%; p < 0.01), irreversible flaccid paralysis (41.7% vs. 10.4%; p < 0.01), and lack of response to medication therapy (71.4% vs. 28.7%; p < 0.01). A past medical history of skin cancer or pre-cancerous lesions (36.4% vs. 7.26%; p < 0.01) and salivary gland cancer (23.3% vs. 0.57%; p < 0.01) were also associated with non-IFP. Epiphora/tearing, facial pain, and facial numbness were associated with malignant FP. 14/60 (23%) patients with non-IFP experienced a diagnostic delay of greater than 6 months.

Conclusion: Facial paralysis that is gradual onset (> 72 h), progressive, without synkinesis, and unresponsive to medications should be further evaluated for nonidiopathic causes. Malignant lesions may be associated with other symptoms such as facial pain, facial numbness, and epiphora/tearing. Also consider malignant causes of FP in patients with a history of skin or salivary gland cancer.

Level of evidence: 3:

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来源期刊

Laryngoscope 医学-耳鼻喉科学

CiteScore

6.50

自引率

7.70%

发文量

500

审稿时长

2-4 weeks

期刊介绍： The Laryngoscope has been the leading source of information on advances in the diagnosis and treatment of head and neck disorders since 1890. The Laryngoscope is the first choice among otolaryngologists for publication of their important findings and techniques. Each monthly issue of The Laryngoscope features peer-reviewed medical, clinical, and research contributions in general otolaryngology, allergy/rhinology, otology/neurotology, laryngology/bronchoesophagology, head and neck surgery, sleep medicine, pediatric otolaryngology, facial plastics and reconstructive surgery, oncology, and communicative disorders. Contributions include papers and posters presented at the Annual and Section Meetings of the Triological Society, as well as independent papers, "How I Do It", "Triological Best Practice" articles, and contemporary reviews. Theses authored by the Triological Society’s new Fellows as well as papers presented at meetings of the American Laryngological Association are published in The Laryngoscope. • Broncho-esophagology • Communicative disorders • Head and neck surgery • Plastic and reconstructive facial surgery • Oncology • Speech and hearing defects