Abstract
Cochlear implantation has many complications; however, delayed facial palsy is relatively
rare. In this report, we present the case of a 60-year-old woman with delayed facial
palsy after cochlear implantation. Eleven days after the operation, the patient complained
of right facial palsy (Yanagihara score 6, House–Brackmann [HB] grade VI). Herpes
virus reactivation and local bacterial infection were considered as possible causes
of the facial paralysis. A blood test revealed an increase in viral antibody titer,
and the patient was diagnosed as having herpes virus reactivation. She was treated
with antiviral therapy for the facial palsy until resolution. Slight mouth weakness
continued even at 1.5 months (Yanagihara score 34, HB II) but eventually resolved
at 3 months (Yanagihara score 40, HB I). Delayed facial palsy is a rare but serious
complication that can occur with viral reactivation regardless of the competence of
the surgical procedure. Therefore, it is important to inform patients preoperatively
regarding the risk of not only immediate but also delayed postoperative facial paralysis.
Keywords
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Article info
Publication history
Published online: March 15, 2021
Accepted:
March 2,
2021
Received:
June 10,
2020
Identification
Copyright
© 2021 Japanese Society of Otorhinolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Inc. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.
