Abstract
Answer C. Facial nerve palsy
This is owing to inflammation of a dehiscent facial nerve in the middle ear. It is displayed as a lower motor-neuron facial nerve palsy. It can often be subtle, with the patient’s only symptoms being difficulty drinking from a cup. It is important to document the degree of palsy on the House-Brackmann scale when it is first noticed to monitor any progression. Patients usually make a full recovery but may require emergency grommet insertion so emergency referral to ear nose and throat (ENT) is advised.
InnovAiT article: Acute otitis media. DOI: 10.1177/1755738018766193.