Pattern of facial palsy in a typical Nigerian specialist hospital

Background: Data on incidence of facial palsy is generally lacking in Nigeria. Objective: To assess six years’ incidence of facial palsy in Murtala Muhammed Specialist Hospital (MMSH), Kano, Nigeria. Method: The records of patients diagnosed as facial problems between January 2000 and December 2005 were scrutinized. Data on diagnosis, age, sex, side affected, occupation and causes were obtained. Results: A total number of 698 patients with facial problems were recorded. Five hundred and ninety four (85%) were diagnosed as facial palsy. Out of the diagnosed facial palsy, males (56.2%) had a higher incidence than females; 20-34 years age group (40.3%) had a greater prevalence; the commonest cause of facial palsy was found out to be Idiopathic (39.1%) and was most common among business men (31.6%). Right sided facial palsy (52.2%) was predominant. Incidence of facial palsy was highest in 2003 (25.3%) and decreased from 2004. Conclusion: It was concluded that the incidence of facial palsy was high and Bell’s palsy remains the most common causes of facial (nerve) paralysis.