[Idiopathic palatopharyngeal hemiparalysis].
Idiopathic velopalatine palsy is a condition of unknown etiology and is rarely seen in childhood. Consequently, diagnosis requires a high degree of suspicion. We report a case of sudden onset dysfunction of the lower cranial pairs (IX and X) in a 5-year-old girl who was previously asymptomatic. The clinical course was favorable and the results of complementary investigations were normal and the patient was diagnosed with velopalatine palsy. Based on this case, we aim to report our experience of this condition and provide a review of the literature. This disease should be suspected in patients aged between 5 and 15 years old who present a palsy of the IX and X cranial nerves of sudden onset and without any other symptoms in order to rationalize diagnostic and therapeutic tools. Treatment is based on support measures. The prognosis is excellent, with a high percentage of complete recovery and absence of recurrences.
González Alvarez
V
V
Sección de Urgencias. Servicio de Pediatría. Hospital Sant Joan de Déu-Clínic. Universidad de Barcelona. España.
Costa Orvay
J A
JA
Guardia Camí
M T
MT
Garrido Romero
R
R
Pineda Marfá
M
M
Luaces Cubells
C
C
D002675:Child, Preschool; D005260:Female; D020435:Glossopharyngeal Nerve Diseases / Q000150:complications; D006801:Humans; D010243:Paralysis / Q000150:complications; D014681:Velopharyngeal Insufficiency / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000209:etiology; D014826:Vocal Cord Paralysis / Q000150:complications