Facial palsy complicated by masked otomastoiditis in a 3-month-old infant.

BACKGROUND

The most common cause of facial palsy is idiopathic or Bell's palsy. Although uncommon in the postantibiotic era, otomastoiditis should receive more attention as a cause of facial palsy, especially in young children. Delay of identification and treatment may result in permanent neurological sequelae.

OBJECTIVES

To describe a 3-month-old infant eventually diagnosed with masked otomastoiditis with initial presentation of facial palsy.

CASE REPORT: We report a case of facial palsy complicated by masked otomastoiditis in a 3-month-old male infant. The facial palsy completely recovered after parenteral antibiotics and myringotomy.

CONCLUSION

We use this case to emphasize that otomastoiditis should be considered in the differential diagnosis of young children with facial palsy. Diagnosis may be difficult as signs and symptoms of otitis media in young children are often nonspecific and subtle, particularly in infants. Early diagnosis and careful investigation of middle ear regions should be performed to avoid permanent sequelae.