Outcomes of Recurrent Facial Palsy in Melkersson Rosenthal Syndrome

Abstract

Objective: The objective of the study was to investigate outcomes of recurrent facial palsy in Melkersson Rosenthal syndrome (MRS). Methods: We carried out a prospective investigation on patients who had recurrent facial palsy in MRS and visited an outpatient department of otolaryngology from January 2002 to January 2012, focusing on their facial nerve outcomes. They were followed up for 12 months. The patients who visited our department due to recurrent Bell’s palsy during the same period were selected as controls. Oral prednisolone alone was given to each patient. Results: A total of 22 patients with recurrent facial palsy in MRS and 73 patients with recurrent Bell’s palsy were included in the study. Twelve months later, only 3 of 22 patients (13.6%) who had recurrent facial palsy in MRS recovered to House-Brackmann grade I, whereas 52 of 73 patients (71.2%) who had recurrent Bell’s palsy recovered completely. The difference was statistically significant ( P < .01). Conclusion: Compared to recurrent Bell’s palsy, recurrent facial palsy in MRS had much worse prognosis.