Question
What causes pediatric facial paralysis?
Answer
Pediatric facial paralysis is divided into central and peripheral types. Central facial paralysis is usually caused by nerve inflammation in the brain or spinal cord, which may require a brain scan for diagnosis. Peripheral facial paralysis is most commonly due to facial neuritis, which can be caused by nerve injury or viral infection. In such cases, symptomatic anti-inflammatory medication and drugs to stabilize nerve function are usually prescribed.