Analysis of fifty cases of facial palsy due to otitis media.

Fifty cases of facial palsy (FP) due to otitis media treated in our hospital during the 10-year period from 1972 to 1981 were analyzed. The averaged percentage of this incidence was 3.1% of all the FP occurring. FP due to otitis media acuta (OMA) was frequently seen in infants. FP due to otitis media chronica (OMC) tended to occur in combination with cholesteatoma or acute exacerbations of infection. Paralyses were generally mild and bacteria from the otorrhea were similar to those of OMC without FP. When present, sites of dehiscence of the facial canal were most frequently seen in its horizontal portion. Electromyographically, the posterior (mastoid) side of the horizontal portion of the facial nerve bundle seemed to be related to the branch to the orbicularis oculi muscle, while the anterior (stapes) side was directed to the orbicularis oris muscle.