[CSF-evaluation in unilateral, bilateral and alternant facial paralysis (author's transl)].

Etiology of idiopathic facial paralysis remains mostly unknown because further investigations seem unnecessary being the only symptom. Differentiated evaluation of CSF however for cytological or proteinous abnormalities should be performed aside serological examinations. In 9 patients treated within 8 months in our hospital diagnosis could be made by these procedures. Inflammation, if cause of facial paralysis, can only call pleocytosis, if localised within or next to the leptomeninges; protein of CSF perhaps will increase, if local inflammation of the nerve is more distant to subarachnoid space. "Idiopathic facial paralysis" however will not exclude focal inflammation far from subarachnoid space. Surgical decompression should not be performed without previous examination of CSF in regard of it's uncertain success.