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

ObjectiveTo study the role of total facial nerve decompression in preventing further recurrence of facial palsy in Melkersson Rosenthal syndrome (MRS).MethodsTotal 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.ResultsFurther 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).ConclusionsTotal facial nerve decompression was effective to prevent further episodes of facial palsy in MRS.