title: Recurrent idiopathic familial facial nerve palsy and ophthalmoplegia.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Idiopathic facial nerve palsy is a common neurologic condition but episodes of ophthalmoplegia in these patients are uncommon.
  
  
  METHODS
  Retrospective case series.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Three patients with facial nerve palsy with unusual features, including ophthalmoplegia, are described.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Recurrent episodes, familial tendency, and associated ophthalmoplegia are uncommon in patients with idiopathic facial nerve palsy.
authors.affiliation: Department of Ophthalmology, University of Iowa Hospital & Clinic, Iowa City, Iowa 52242, USA. andrew-lee@uiowa.edu
authors.forename: A G
authors.initials: AG
authors.lastname: Lee
authors.forename: P W
authors.initials: PW
authors.lastname: Brazis
authors.forename: E
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Eggenberger
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D020330:Bell Palsy / Q000150:complications* / Q000235:genetics; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009886:Ophthalmoplegia / Q000150:complications* / Q000235:genetics; D012008:Recurrence; D012075:Remission, Spontaneous; D012189:Retrospective Studies