Recent Strategies in the Management of Traumatic Facial Nerve Paralysis

Learning Objectives: In total, 66 patients with facial nerve paralysis after temporal bone trauma were studied retrospectively. The rate of good recovery in patients undergoing decompression surgery within 2 weeks after trauma reached 92.9%, resulting in a significantly better outcome than later decompression surgery. The ideal time for decompression surgery for the traumatic facial nerve paralysis was the first 2 weeks in patients with severe, immediate-onset paralysis. Recently, we modified the later decompression surgery using bFGF in a gelatin hydrogel to promote the regeneration of denervated nerves. Our experimental study suggested that bFGF-impregnated biodegradable hydrogel facilitates regeneration of the facial nerve in guinea pigs due to the sustained release of bFGF. Clinically, this therapeutic regimen may be useful for facial nerve decompression surgery, which is indicated for severe facial nerve paralysis. The efficacy of the novel decompression surgery will be presented.