Outcome of facial nerve palsy in 24 children

Of 24 children with facial palsy, 6 (25%) had recurrent attacks. Complete recovery occurred in 21 (88%). Electrophysiological tests including direct stimulation of the facial nerve and blink reflex were performed in 12 serially to compare the prognostic value. Only direct response had prognostic significance in predicting the outcome. A normal direct response predicts a better prognosis (P = 0.002) whereas abnormal blink reflex can be associated with complete or incomplete recovery.link_to_subscribed_fulltex