Facial nerve disorders committee: Controversies in facial paralysis

The management of facial nerve paralysis is a topic that stimulates considerable debate. Depending on the features of a given case, practitioners may advocate treatment options ranging from no intervention to urgent surgery. There is some validity to all treatment options; the key is understanding when features of a given case dictate a particular therapeutic approach. This miniseminar will address several topics related to management of facial paralysis including: (1) pitfalls in diagnosis of Bell’s palsy; (2) acute facial paralysis in pregnancy; (3) use of antiviral medications; (4) indications for and interpretation of electroneuronography (ENoG) and electromyography (EMG); (5) role of imaging studies; (6) indications, timing, and outcomes of decompression surgery; (7) techniques to aid recovery from acute facial paralysis; (8) botulinum toxin for rehabilitation; and (9) medical legal aspects of chronic facial paralysis. The format will include short presentations, panel discussion of interesting cases, and audience participation. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]