Traumatic Facial Diplegia and Horner Syndrome: Case Report

Eur J Trauma Emerg Surg. 2007 Aug;33(4):425-9. doi: 10.1007/s00068-007-6913-z. Epub 2007 Apr 9.

Abstract

Traumatic facial diplegia is an uncommon pathology, and is usually associated with bitemporal bone fractures. Traumatic Horner syndrome is mostly associated with carotid artery dissection. We present a case with traumatic facial diplegia and a unilateral Horner syndrome where the mechanisms of injury were unusual. The patient had developed his neurological deficits 9 days following trauma. We discuss the mechanisms of the facial palsy and Horner syndrome and the importance of their diagnosis.

Keywords: Facial diplegia; Horner syndrome; Skull base fracture.