title: Facial nerve dysfunction in osteopetrosis.
abstract: When facial nerve dysfunction occurs in conjunction with one of the rare temporal bone dysplasias, the physician faces a therapeutic dilemma. There is no consensus in the literature regarding the management of facial paralysis or facial spasm under these circumstances. During the past 2 years, four patients were seen with forms of osteopetroses and neurotologic symptoms. A patient with malignant, recessive osteopetrosis and a patient with Engelmann's disease were surgically managed for facial paralysis and facial spasm. The outcome of the treatment is discussed as well as the available literature on this subject. A new complication of facial nerve decompression in children with osteopetrosis is described, as well as appropriate caveats in the management of facial nerve disorders in the osteopetroses.
authors: J E
authors: JE
authors: Benecke
mesh_terms: D002675:Child, Preschool; D005152:Facial Muscles; D005155:Facial Nerve Diseases / Q000209:etiology* / Q000601:surgery; D005158:Facial Paralysis / Q000209:etiology; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010022:Osteopetrosis / Q000150:complications* / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D011183:Postoperative Complications; D013035:Spasm / Q000209:etiology; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed