Will My Friend Be Paralized for Life?

Question

My friend recently went to the hospital, and all I know is he got an ear infection and half of his face is paralized. He went into surgery,a nd now has a big scar behind his ear. I couldn't see him for long to ask, but will he ever be able to move that side of his face ever again?

Answer 1

The most common cause of facial nerve injury is fracture of the skull base. This injury may occur immediately or may develop some days later due to nerve swelling.


Injury to the facial nerve may occur during operations on the ear. This complication, fortunately, is very uncommon. The risk is higher when the nerve is not in its normal anatomical position (congenital abnormality) or when the nerve is so distorted by mastoid or middle ear disease that it is not identifiable. In rare cases it may be necessary to remove a portion of the nerve in order to eradicate the disease.


Delayed weakness or paralysis of the face following reconstructive middle ear surgery (myringoplasty, tympanoplasty, stapedectomy) is uncommon, but occurs at times due to swelling of the nerve during the healing period. Fortunately, this type of facial nerve weakness usually subsides spontaneously in several weeks and rarely requires further surgery


So, the answer to your question is yes. This paralysis is temporary due to the swelling of the facial nerve. It should subside once the swelling is resolved with normal healing process and medications. And rest is impt. That's why your visits to him probably is restricted as he's not allowed to talk.

Answer 2

Depends on what sort of surgery was done, and why the paralysis happened. It may be an incidental side effect of the surgery that will subside. I wish your friend luck.

Answer 3

perhaps with therapy he will=just be there for him and don't talk about this unless he starts the talking