Etiology and Clinical Presentations of Lower Motor Neuron Facial Nerve Palsy in Khartoum, Sudan - Abstract
Etiopathogenesis of lower motor neuron facial palsy (LMN FNP) is still a diagnostic
challenge and the literature has shown varying results.
Objectives: This study aims to sketch out the causes and clinical presentation of
LMN FNP patients presented to ENT Khartoum teaching hospital –Sudan in the period
from Jan 2014 to Jan 2016.
Materials and methods: This is a prospective hospital-based study from Jan 2014
to Jan 2016 included 83 patients presented to Khartoum ENT teaching hospital in
Sudan with LMN FNP.Variables included age, gender, common presentation, diagnosis,
treatment and prognosis.
Results: Eighty three patients included, their age ranged between 3-70 years
with high incidence in age group (31-40) years. Two third of the patients were males
(61.4%). The main presenting symptoms were sudden onset of facial palsy (67.5%)
and progressive onset in (32.5%). The most frequent causes were Bell’s palsy (33.7%)
followed by trauma and Chronic suppurative otitis media (CSOM) (24.1%, 18.1%)
respectively. Out of total, 60(72.3%) received steroids, 30(36.1%) received antiviral,
15(18.1%) received antibiotics. All patients were advised to take care of their eyes
(88.0%), physiotherapy and rehabilitation (43.4%). Outcome of treatment showed
response in different grade forms in 54patients (65.1%).
Conclusion: The causes of facial nerve palsy in children and adults are many, however idiopathic facial palsy or, Bell’s palsy, is the most frequent.