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Facial nerve baroparesis during airflight: a case report and literature review

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  09 December 2020

M Alwan  and
M Gordan
M Alwan*
Affiliation:
Department of Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery, Monash Health, Melbourne, Australia
M Gordan
Affiliation:
Department of Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery, Monash Health, Melbourne, Australia
*
Author for correspondence: Dr M Alwan, Department of Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Monash Health, 823–865 Centre Road, Bentleigh East, Melbourne 3165, Australia E-mail: ENT_Research@monashhealth.org Fax: +61 992 88052
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Abstract

Background

Facial nerve baroparesis is a rare phenomenon which has been reported during flight. It is thought to occur due to ischaemic neuropraxia on the facial nerve as middle-ear pressure increases in the presence of Eustachian tube dysfunction and force is transmitted through a dehiscent facial nerve canal.

Method

This study presents an aviation-associated, right-sided facial nerve palsy as well as presenting the results of a systematic review that was performed on the available literature using Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines. Full-text articles from Medline, PubMed and Embase were used, as well as associated reference lists. This study systematically reviews the literature to discuss presentation, investigations performed and an approach to management of this rare condition.

Results

This study identified 23 cases in the literature (including the case presented in this study) of facial nerve baroparesis.

Conclusion

Facial nerve baroparesis is a mostly temporary rare phenomenon that can be managed effectively with ventilation tube insertion. In the event of long-standing facial nerve palsy after descent of the aircraft, urgent myringotomy should be performed to prevent permanent facial nerve damage.

Keywords

BarotraumaFacial ParalysisFacial NerveAviationAircraft
Type
Clinical Records
Information
The Journal of Laryngology & Otology , Volume 135 , Issue 1 , January 2021 , pp. 88 - 92
Copyright
Copyright © JLO (1984) Limited, 2020

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Footnotes

Dr M Alwan takes responsibility for the integrity of the content of the paper

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