ABSTRACT
This term describes a usually unilateral facial paralysis of rapid onset, related to a lesion of the facial nerve within the facial canal. Taste may also be affected. The cause is unknown, but the nerve is swollen acutely, and compression within the facial canal may contribute to the nerve fibre damage. It is common, usually temporary, and 95% of children will recover full function without treatment, most within the first 3 weeks of the illness.
