Facial palsy may be associated with either acute or chronic otitis media In the acute setting, it results from inflammation of the seventh nerve in its middle ear segment Treatment consists of myringotomy for drainage and culture, followed by intravenous antibiotics (based on culture results) The use of corticosteroids is controversial The prognosis is excellent, with complete recovery in most cases Facial palsy associated with chronic otitis media usually evolves slowly due to chronic pressure on the seventh nerve in the middle ear or mastoid by cholesteatoma

Treatment

requires surgical correction of the underlying disease The prognosis is less favorable than for facial palsy associated with acute otitis media