Recurrent facial palsy in Melkersson Rosenthal syndrome: total facial nerve decompression is effective to prevent further recurrence.

Objective: To study the role of total facial nerve decompression in preventing further recurrence of facial palsy in Melkersson Rosenthal syndrome (MRS). Methods: Total facial nerve decompression was performed on nine patients with recurrent facial palsy in MRS, and prednisolone treatment was given to 6 cases who declined surgery. They were incorporated into surgery group and control group, respectively. Patients in surgery group and control group were followed up for 5.4 +/- 1.4 years (range, 4 to 8 years) and 6.0 +/- 1.4 years (range, 4 to 8 years), respectively. Results: Further episodes of facial palsy affected none of 9 cases (0.0%) in surgery group, while they affected 3 of 6 cases (50.0%) in control group, with significant difference (p < 0.05). Conclusions: Total facial nerve decompression was effective to prevent further episodes of facial palsy in MRS. (C) 2015 Published by Elsevier Inc.