Botulinum toxin type A application on a toddler with peripheral facial palsy – case report

Abstract

Peripheral facial palsy (PFP) is a sudden weakness or paralysis of the facial muscles on one side of the face due to injury of the facial nerve. There are different approaches to PFP in children, which can range from pharmacological, physiotherapy or surgery. Botulinum toxin type A (BoNT) has been used for various conditions, including the treatment of muscle spasticity, migraines and sweating hyperhidrosis. The use of BoNT type A in peripheral facial paralysis has been studied as a potential treatment to improve facial symmetry and reduce complications such as synkinesis. The clinical case presented, reports the results of BoNT in a 1 year old toddler with PFP. Most of the research into BoNT for facial paralysis has been carried out in adult populations, although some larger-scale studies have explored the safety and efficacy of BoNT in children with other neurological and musculoskeletal conditions. Given the limited research on BoNT for pediatric PFP, more studies are needed to establish safety, efficacy, and optimal treatment protocols for this population.