Recurrent facial nerve paralysis: an unusual presentation of fibrous dysplasia of the temporal bone.

Facial nerve paralysis (FNP) is a rare occurrence in fibrous dysplasia (FD) of the temporal bone (FDTB). Eight such cases have been described in the literature. In none of these cases was the FNP the presenting symptom, and in all, a direct etiology for the paralysis was identified. We present the first case of recurrent, unilateral FNP as the sole otological manifestation of FDTB. We discuss possible etiological factors for the paralysis favoring a compressive, transient ischemia of the facial nerve. The authors suggest adding FDTB to the differential diagnosis of recurrent FNP.