title: Recurrent unilateral facial nerve palsy in a child with dehiscent facial nerve canal.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  The dehiscent facial nerve canal has been well documented in histopathological studies of temporal bones as well as in clinical setting. We describe clinical and radiologic features of a child with recurrent facial nerve palsy and dehiscent facial nerve canal.
  
  
  METHODS
  Retrospective chart review.
  
  
  RESULTS
  A 5-year-old male was referred to the otolaryngology clinic for evaluation of recurrent acute otitis media and hearing loss. He also developed recurrent left peripheral FN palsy associated with episodes of bilateral acute otitis media. High resolution computed tomography of the temporal bones revealed incomplete bony coverage of the tympanic segment of the left facial nerve.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Recurrent peripheral FN palsy may occur in children with recurrent acute otitis media in the presence of a dehiscent facial nerve canal. Facial nerve canal dehiscence should be considered in the differential diagnosis of children with recurrent peripheral FN palsy.
authors.affiliation: Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA.
authors.forename: Christopher
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Liu
authors.affiliation: Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA; Division of Pediatric Otolaryngology, Children's Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA.
authors.forename: Seckin O
authors.initials: SO
authors.lastname: Ulualp
authors.affiliation: Division of Neuroradiology, Children's Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA.
authors.forename: Korgun
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Koral
keywords: Recurrent facial nerve palsy; child; dehiscent facial nerve canal