Stellate ganglion block for facial nerve palsy after intraoral vertical ramus osteotomy

Abstract

We report a case of facial nerve palsy that occurred after orthognathic surgery. This is a rare, but serious complication.A 31-year-old woman with mandibular prognathism underwent bilateral intraoral vertical ramus osteotomy. Right facial nerve palsy suddenly developed 3 days after the operation. Although steroid therapy was started immediately, there was no response. Then, stellate ganglion block (SGB) was performed. The facial nerve palsy completely resolved 4 months after the operation. SGB was suggested to be effective for facial nerve palsy occurring after orthognathic surgery.