DIAGNOSTIC APPROACHES AND CLINICAL CORRELATES OF FACIAL NERVE NEUROPATHY IN CHILDREN

Facial nerve neuropathy in children is an uncommon but clinically significant condition that can result in facial asymmetry, impaired speech, and long-term psychosocial consequences. Despite its relatively low incidence compared to adults, pediatric cases present unique diagnostic and therapeutic challenges. This review article aims to analyze diagnostic approaches and clinical correlates of facial nerve neuropathy in children based on current literature. Key etiologies include idiopathic (Bell’s palsy), infectious, traumatic, congenital, and neoplastic causes, each with distinct clinical manifestations and prognostic implications. Diagnostic strategies encompass neurological examination, electrophysiological studies such as electromyography (EMG) and electroneurography (ENoG), neuroimaging techniques including MRI and CT, and selected laboratory investigations. Prognosis is closely linked to underlying etiology: while idiopathic palsy generally resolves in up to 80% of pediatric patients, infectious or traumatic etiologies often demonstrate less favorable outcomes. The article highlights that early, algorithm-based diagnostic evaluation combined with individualized management improves recovery rates and reduces the risk of complications. Current evidence also underscores the necessity for standardized pediatric-specific protocols, as most existing guidelines are extrapolated from adult studies. Future research should focus on large-scale pediatric trials, refinement of electrodiagnostic techniques for children, and long-term follow-up studies to better define prognostic indicators.