Korean J Otorhinolaryngol-Head Neck Surg.  2014 Apr;57(4):270-273. 10.3342/kjorl-hns.2014.57.4.270.

A Case of Recovery of Facial Palsy Complicated by Tuberculous Otitis Media after Facial Nerve Decompression

• Yoon J
• Kim MJ
• Lee HD
• Lee EJ

• KMID: 1978151
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.3342/kjorl-hns.2014.57.4.270

Abstract

Tuberculosis otitis media is a rare cause of chronic suppurative infection of the middle ear. The early diagnosis and treatment of tuberculous otitis media can prevent complications such as facial palsy or irreversible hearing loss. Facial palsy is reported to occur in approximately 20% of tuberculous otitis media cases, where it seemed to occur at an acute stage of the disease, considering the short duration of symptoms in patients with facial palsy. Antituberculous medication is known to successfully treat tuberculous otitis media. Recently, we experienced a case of dramatic improvement in facial palsy derived from tuberculous otitis media after successful facial nerve decompression. For facial palsy complicated by tuberculous otitis media, surgical decompression at an appropriate time can serve well as a good treatment.

Keyword

Decompression surgery; Facial palsy; Tuberculous

MeSH Terms

Decompression*
Decompression, Surgical
Ear, Middle
Early Diagnosis
Facial Nerve*
Facial Paralysis*
Hearing Loss
Humans
Otitis Media*
Tuberculosis