Discharge Advice
Discharge advice needs to contain information on worrying features so that parents/patients themselves can return early if such features develop [10].
Upon discharge, the following should be explained:
- Administer analgesia for pain as needed (paracetamol)
- Child may experience sensitivity to sounds during acute stages
- Child may initially worsen before improving
- Most children recover fully by 6 weeks, although may take up to 1 year
- 10% will get some continuing weakness or the nerve may grow back to the wrong area
- Medical advice should be sought if any concerning symptoms occur
Concerning symptoms
- Red/painful eye
- Progression of weakness after 48 hours
- Different or new symptoms such as:
- Headache
- Vomiting
- Temperature
- Disturbed vision
- Weakness
- Abnormal sensation in another area of the body or head or neck
- No improvement in facial paralysis after 1 month
It was very helpful and useful !