The Pathologic Findings in a Case of Facial Paralysis

Abstract

A review of the pathology and theories for the causalgia of idiopathic facial paralysis (Bell's Palsy). The few facial nerve specimens which have been obtained at autopsy will be discussed and the temporal bones of a new case, who died of rupture of the aorta after the onset of facial paralysis, will be reported. The patient showed engorgement of the microcirculation in the Fallopian canal and a fresh hemorrhage deep to the geniculate ganglion. The significance of these findings in regard to the pathogenesis of Bell's Palsy will be discussed.