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Delayed facial palsy after middle-ear surgery due to reactivation of varicella-zoster virus

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  29 June 2007

Kiyofumi Gyo  and
Nobumitsu Honda
Kiyofumi Gyo*
Affiliation:
Department of Otolaryngology, Ehime University Hospital, Ehime, Japan
Nobumitsu Honda
Affiliation:
Department of Otolaryngology, Ehime University Hospital, Ehime, Japan
*
Address for correspondence: Kiyofumi Gyo M.D., Department of Otolaryngology, Ehime University Hospital, Onsengun, Shigenobu-cho, Ehime, 791-02, Japan
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Abstract

Viral reactivation is thought to be an important cause of post-operative facial palsy of delayed onset. We present an unusual case of Ramsay-Hunt syndrome that occurred as a consequence of middle-ear surgery by triggering varicella-zoster virus reactivation. As a pathognomonic auricular eruption was not seen, the patient was initially misdiagnosed as iatrogenic facial palsy. Clinical features, diagnosis and management are discussed.

Keywords

Facial nerveHerpes zoster oticusSurgery, operative
Type
Clinical Records
Information
The Journal of Laryngology & Otology , Volume 113 , Issue 10 , October 1999 , pp. 914 - 915
Copyright
Copyright © JLO (1984) Limited 1999

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