Late onset of facial nerve palsy after tympanomastoidectomy: HSV-1 activation?

Abstract

We present a case right peripheral facial palsy occurred 7 days after an operation. A 42-year-old female patient had an uneventful right tympanomastoidectomy in our clinic. She developed right Hause-Brackmann Grade II peripheral facial palsy postoperative at the 7th day. A viral screen was performed using an Enzyme Immuneassay. Herpes Simplex Virus -1 specific antibody titer was determined on the 2nd day of facial palsy, confirming the viral etiology. She was commenced on steroid therapy. Her facial nerve functions recovered completely after one week.