Posttraumatic delayed facial nerve palsy

      Up to 5% of all facial nerve palsies are due to trauma, with ipsilateral Bell's palsy the most common injury. Facial nerve injury is often due to fracture of the temporal bone with resultant compression of the nerve or complete transection. Less commonly, mandibular fractures can present with a concomitant facial nerve injury. In cases where the nerve injury is incomplete or delayed, prognosis is excellent. When the facial nerve is completely transected, prompt surgical intervention is required for the best cosmetic outcome. Here we present a case of a delayed presentation of an ipsilateral facial nerve injury and discuss the diagnostic and management options.
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