New research: more people are urged to report cases of facial paralysis in air travel

Cases of facial paralysis in air travellers, without relevant prior medical conditions, are believed to be rare, but researchers say they are also under-reported.

A report published in The Journal of Laryngology & Otology published by Cambridge Journals, looked at three case studies and previous research and concluded that more needs to be done to increase understanding and management of the condition.

Facial paralysis in air travel is associated with barotrauma – physical damage to body tissues caused by a difference in pressure. Affected people find they have 'facial weakness' in one side of their face and also experience symptoms such as facial pain, facial numbness, ear discomfort, a sensation of pressure and tinnitus. The effects are temporary and subside within a few hours, sometimes even while on the flight, once altitude is reduced.

The case studies were from patients, both male and female of varying ages, who had experienced facial paralysis during air travel and reported it to their GPs on their return home.

'Facial paralysis during air travel' is published in the October issue of The Journal of Laryngology & Otology and is available online at this link:  http://journals.cambridge.org/jlo/ahsee