Postmastoidectomy Delayed-onset Unilateral Facial Nerve Palsy

Abstract The facial nerve, the seventh cranial nerve, contains motor, sensory, and parasympathetic nerve fibers that provide innervation to various areas of the head and neck region. Its paralysis may lead to a significant impact on a person’s physical and psychological well-being. This study discusses a case involving an 18-year-old male who developed unilateral delayed facial nerve palsy (DFNP) because of varicella-zoster virus reactivation on the 13 th postoperative day after right canal wall down mastoidectomy and external auditory canal reconstruction with tympano-ossiculoplasty due to chronic suppurative otitis media with cholesteatoma. Facial palsy caused concern for the patient and his family, although he achieved a complete recovery with conservative management within a short period. Therefore, it was necessary to emphasize the need for comprehensive preoperative counseling for both the patient and their family regarding such complications. Our experience also underscores the importance of approaching patients with DFNP.