Subtotal facial nerve decompression in preventing further recurrence and promoting facial nerve recovery of severe idiopathic recurrent facial palsy

The objective of the study is to document the role of subtotal facial nerve decompression in preventing further recurrence and promoting facial nerve recovery of severe idiopathic recurrent facial palsy. Twenty-two cases with idiopathic recurrent facial palsy, which had over 95 % degeneration of facial nerve on electroneurography, were included in the study, among which 12 accepting subtotal facial nerve decompression were involved in surgery group, and 10 who refused surgery and received prednisolone were classified into control group. The recurrence of facial palsy and facial nerve recovery was compared. The patients were followed up for 5.3 years (range 3–8 years) and 5.2 years (range 3–7 years) in surgery group and control group, respectively. Further recurrence of facial palsy occurred in none of 12 patients (0 %) in surgery group in contrast to 4 of 10 cases (40 %) in control group, with statistical difference ( p < 0.05). 11 of 12 cases (91.7 %) in surgery group recovered to Grade I or Grade II compared to 3 of 10 cases (30.0 %) in control group, with significant difference ( p < 0.05). Subtotal facial nerve decompression is effective to prevent further recurrence of facial palsy and promote facial nerve recovery of severe idiopathic recurrent facial palsy.