Congenital facial paralysis: Facial nerve hypoplasia

Abstract

Facial paralysis in a newborn is called congenital facial paralysis (CFP). The major role of the physician is to differentiate the etiology of the facial paralysis whether it is traumatic or developmental. This can be achieved by history and physical examination in some cases, however diagnosis may remain uncertain despite all efforts. We herein report a case of CFP, having a normal computed tomography (CT) of the temporal bone whereas a severely hypoplasic facial nerve was seen on the magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) which helps to determine the congenital etiology.