The Value of Early Decompression of the Paralyzed Facial Nerve

Historical Background  The development of facial nerve surgery began through the endeavors of such pioneers as Sir Charles Ballance, A. P. Duel,¹ T. Cawthorne,² K. W. Ney,³ and many others. Because of the great increase in the incidence of traumatic lesions in general since the advent of fast-moving vehicles, airplanes, and the general increase in the tempo of modern living, it has been shown, "In a series of 1,550 consecutive head injuries reported by Turner, the facial nerve was the second most commonly injured cranial nerve, being exceeded only by damage to the olfactory nerve."⁴ In view of these facts it is felt that a review of the subject of early decompression of the facial nerve is in order.

Gross Anatomy and Clinical Evaluation in Facial Nerve Injuries  According to McHugh, quoting Cawthorne, "The facial nerve is more often paralyzed than any other motor nerve, perhaps