What might be necessary if facial nerve paralysis occurs post-mastoidectomy?

In the context of facial nerve paralysis following a mastoidectomy, surgical intervention is often necessary because this type of paralysis can indicate that the facial nerve has been either damaged or entrapped during the surgical procedure. In some cases, such as when there is significant nerve injury or if the nerve is not healing properly, immediate surgical intervention may be required to repair the nerve or relieve pressure on it.

Surgical options could include nerve repair techniques or grafting, especially if there is an indication that the dysfunction is not resolving on its own. Although some cases of facial nerve paralysis might improve spontaneously over time, the potential for functional impairment and the impact on the patient’s quality of life often lead clinicians to consider surgery as a more immediate and effective solution for restoring facial nerve function. This distinguishes surgical intervention as a critical approach when paralysis persists beyond the expected recovery timeline after the initial surgical procedure.