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Facial nerve palsy as a complication of ear syringing

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  22 May 2012

A M Thomas ,
B Poojary  and
H C Badaridatta
A M Thomas*
Affiliation:
Department of Otolaryngology, Bangalore Baptist Hospital, India
B Poojary
Affiliation:
Department of Otolaryngology, Bangalore Baptist Hospital, India
H C Badaridatta
Affiliation:
Department of Otolaryngology, Bangalore Baptist Hospital, India
*
Address for correspondence: Dr Anita Mariet Thomas, Senior ENT Consultant, Bangalore Baptist Hospital, Hebbal, Bellary Rd, Bangalore 560 024, India Fax: +91 80 23437970 E-mail: [email protected]
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Abstract

Introduction:

Syringing of the ear is one of the most common procedures performed for cleaning cerumen from the external auditory canal. Common complications following syringing are pain, external auditory canal trauma and otitis externa. Hearing and vestibular loss have also been reported as complications. However, we are unaware of any report of facial nerve palsy as a complication of ear syringing. Such a case is reported.

Case presentation:

We describe a case of facial nerve palsy as a complication of syringing, which demonstrates the dramatic presentation of this condition and emphasises the need for great care while syringing the ears.

Conclusion:

It is important to be aware of this unusual complication with its distinctive presentation. Surgical intervention should be undertaken at the earliest opportunity, for favourable results. A risk-minimising strategy for ear syringing is recommended.

Keywords

Facial PalsyCerumenOtological Surgical ProceduresTherapeutic IrrigationExternal Auditory CanalComplications
Type
Clinical Records
Information
The Journal of Laryngology & Otology , Volume 126 , Issue 7 , July 2012 , pp. 714 - 716
Copyright
Copyright © JLO (1984) Limited 2012

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