On September 5, 2024, the department of propaedeutics of children’s diseases at the Avicenna Tajik State Medical University, in collaboration with the medical staff of the 7^th pediatric somatic unit of the Istiqlol medical complex, organized a clinical conference on the topic "Facial Nerve Neuropathy." The presentation was delivered by Sh. Saidaliev, a clinical resident in the department of pediatric neurology, under the supervision of doctor D. Khokiroev.

Facial nerve neuropathies (FNN) are among the most prevalent cranial neuropathies, with an incidence rate of 13-25 cases per 100,000 adults (2-5%) and 21-30% of peripheral nervous system inflammatory disorders in children. Both males and females are affected at similar rates. It has been established that potential causes include middle ear infections, sinusitis, mumps, trauma, neoplasms, angiopathy associated with arterial hypertension and diabetes mellitus, and demyelinating diseases of the central nervous system, as well as surgical complications. Nevertheless, in 75% of cases, particularly in children, infectious agents are the primary cause. These pathogens not only induce structural changes in nerve cells but also act as stressors, triggering nonspecific resistance mechanisms and suppressing immune responses.

The report presented detailed information on the anatomical and physiological characteristics of the facial nerve, as well as the epidemiology, etiopathogenesis, classification, clinical and diagnostic criteria, differential diagnosis, treatment, prognosis, and prevention of this condition. Various forms of facial nerve palsy were discussed, including idiopathic neuropathy (Bell's palsy), otogenic neuropathy, and infectious neuropathy (Hunt's syndrome), which is caused by the Varicella-Zoster virus. The presentation concluded with a clinical case involving a 7-year-old patient, S.A., who was admitted to the pediatric neurology department of the State Institution “Istiqlol medical complex" with a diagnosis of facial nerve neuropathy. In the final segment, the significance of this condition in children was emphasized, leading to a series of questions, all of which were addressed comprehensively, followed by a discussion.

Department of propaedeutics of children’s diseases