Publication:

An atypical presentation of a case of bilateral malignant otitis externa with bilateral simultaneous facial nerve palsy

An unusual case of bilateral malignant otitis externa (MOE) with bilateral simultaneous facial nerve palsy is presented. A case report of a 77-year-old male, known diabetic on medication, presented with bilateral otorrhoea, severe otalgia with bilateral facial nerve palsy, was diagnosed as a case of bilateral MOE, was managed with medical management followed by surgical debridement. Bilateral MOE with bilateral simultaneous facial palsy is extremely rare. The patient had severe otalgia due to which he had even ‘suicidal thoughts. Due to extremely severe otalgia and bilateral facial nerve palsy, with no improvement with adequate medical management, he was managed by surgical debridement along with continuation of medications.  MOE presents with otorrhoea, otalgia, granulation tissue in external auditory canal and occasionally cranial nerve palsies. Surgical debridement along with medical management in this case has fastened the recovery and resolved his symptoms.