Open AccessTransient facial nerve palsy following dental local anaesthesia
Author(s) -
Thomas Jenyon,
Jesse Panthagani,
David Green
Publication year - 2020
Publication title -
bmj case reports
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.231
H-Index - 26
ISSN - 1757-790X
DOI - 10.1136/bcr-2020-234753
Subject(s) - medicine , palsy , anesthesia , inferior alveolar nerve , complication , mandibular nerve , facial nerve , facial nerve palsy , surgery , nerve block , corneal reflex , reflex , dentistry , pathology , alternative medicine , molar
Facial nerve palsy is a rare but known complication of dental local anaesthesia and may be underreported. We describe a case of a transient facial nerve palsy following the administration of an inferior alveolar nerve block and discuss the immediate practical management. Knowing the likely transient nature of this complication means the patient can be reassured and unnecessary referral avoided. While the blink reflex is inhibited, steps are needed in order to protect the cornea and prevent secondary infection and scarring.