Abstract
We experienced a rare case of facial nerve paralysis associated with an isolated styloid process fracture. A 23-year-old man fell onto an iron bar and his right neck was injured. Several hours after the injury, because facial nerve paralysis developed, he was referred to our tertiary care hospital. Physical examination revealed incomplete facial paralysis on the right side; the right stapedial reflex was absent. He was hospitalized and received steroid therapy. However, his paralysis gradually worsened. Detailed CT examination revealed a fracture of the styloid process of the temporal bone along the facial nerve. He underwent surgery six days after the injury. During the surgery, the facial nerve was found to be strained by bone fragments of the styloid process, hyperemic and edematous. The hyperemia and edema of the facial nerve were improved by removing the bone fragments. Postoperatively, the facial nerve paralysis worsened temporarily and then gradually improved. The stapedial reflex was improved, although incomplete paralysis remained.
