Patterns of Facial Palsy in a tertially Hospital in Ghana

Abstract

A study to determine the patterns and efficacy of management of facial palsy (FP) was carried out at the ear, nose and throat (ENT) clinic at Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital (KATH).  The procedure adopted included detailed evaluation of signs and symptoms typical of FP, acoustic reflex threshold test and Shirmers test, the use of steroids, physiotherapy and vitamin C.  In all, 86 patients suffering from FP were identified.  The diseases were caused by Bell’s palsy 67, middle ear infections 10, middle ear neoplasms 4, herpes zoster oticus 3, temporal bone fractures 2.  Seventy-six out of the 86 were treated successfully.  None of the patient with herpes zoster and temporal bone fractures survived.  Preponderance of females over males was observed in addition to seasonal incidence of FP.  FP was mainly unilateral and common in younger individuals.