Alternobaric Facial Paresis

Overview

4.8 out of 5 (24 Reviews)

Credits

1.00

Post Assessment Questions

5

Start Date

1 Jan 2021

Last Review Date

25 Feb 2024

Expiration Date

31 Dec 2023

Estimated Time To Finish

60 Minutes


 
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Activity Description

Alternobaric facial paresis (AFP), also known as facial baroparesis, baroparesis facialis, or alternobaric facial nerve palsy, is a rare and usually transient neurapraxia affecting the seventh cranial nerve (CNVII, the facial nerve) due to pressure-related effects in the tympanic cavity. This condition arises when pressure in the middle ear compresses the facial nerve against the cochlear promontory, in the medial wall of the tympanic cavity, resulting in symptoms resembling Bell's palsy. AFP is best known as an injury associated with underwater diving, although it can also develop secondary to changes in ambient pressure during airplane ascents or descents. In many cases, prompt relief can be achieved through maneuvers to equalize middle ear pressure, such as yawning, swallowing, or other explicit exercises for re-establishing pressure equilibrium. AFP may also contribute to alternobaric vertigo, and the rapid onset and resolution of facial palsy in response to changes in ambient pressure further underscore the connection between middle-ear over-pressure and the development of this condition.

Divers should be particularly cautious, as misdiagnosis may lead to unnecessary recompression treatment and diving activity restrictions, particularly when confused with neurologic decompression sickness or air embolism. This activity reviews the presentation, causes, recognition, management, and preventive strategies, empowering healthcare professionals with the required knowledge and necessary tools to provide optimal care for patients with AFP.


Target Audience

This activity has been designed to meet the educational needs of physicians.

Learning Objectives

At the conclusion of this activity, the learner will be better able to:

  • Identify the etiology of alternobaric facial paresis.

  • Identify the findings typically seen on physical examination in patients with alternobaric facial paresis.

  • Implement targeted treatment approaches for alternobaric facial paresis.

  • Collaborate with otolaryngology for the management of recurrent presentations and with radiology to exclude other diagnoses when in doubt. 

Disclosures

The Campbell University Jerry M. Wallace School of Osteopathic Medicine (CUSOM) requires instructors, planners, managers, and other individuals who are in a position to control the content of this activity to disclose any real or apparent conflict of interest they or their immediate family may have as related to the content of this activity. All identified conflicts of interest are thoroughly vetted by CUSOM for resolution, to ensure fair balance, scientific objectivity of studies mentioned in the materials or used as the basis for content, and appropriateness of patient care recommendations.

CUSOM will identify, review, and resolve all conflicts of interest that faculty, authors, activity directors, planners, managers, peer reviewers, or relevant staff disclose prior to an educational activity being delivered to learners. Disclosure of a relationship is not intended to suggest or condone bias in any presentation but is made to provide participants with information that might be of potential importance to their evaluation of a presentation. Disclosure information for authors, editors, planners, peer reviewers, and/or relevant staff is provided with this activity.

Continuing Education Accreditation Information

 

 

The Campbell University Jerry M. Wallace School of Osteopathic Medicine (CUSOM) is accredited by the American Osteopathic Association to provide osteopathic continuing medical education for physicians. CUSOM designates this enduring material for a maximum of 1.00 AOA Category 1 B Credits and will report CME credits commensurate with the extent of the physician's participation in the activity.

Cancellation Policy: Cancellations must be received in writing and a money back guarantee is provided if not completely satisfied.

  • StatPearls and CUSOM reserve the right to cancel any course due to unforeseen circumstances. StatPearls and CUSOM will not be responsible for other expenses incurred by the participant in the unlikely event that the program is canceled.

Equal Opportunity

  • StatPearls and CUSOM are Equal Opportunity / Affirmative Action / Equal Access Institutions. 

Medium or Media Used:

  • Computer Requirements:  Internet Access
  • E-mail Address

Instructions for Credit

  1. Register for the activity and create a StatPearls login.     
  2. Review the required accreditation information:  Target audience, learning objectives and disclosure information.
  3. Complete the entire self-study activity.
  4. Complete the post-test assessments.
  5. Successfully pass the post-test with a minimum score of 100%.
  6. Complete the evaluation form.
  7. Obtain a certificate.

StatPearls and CUSOM adheres to AOA Standards regarding commercial support of continuing medical education. It is the policy of StatPearls and Campbell that the faculty and planning committee disclose real or apparent conflicts of interest relating to the topics of this educational activity, that relevant conflict(s) of interest are resolved and also that authors and editors will disclose any unlabeled/unapproved use of drug(s) or device(s) during their presentation. Detailed disclosure will be made prior to starting the activity.

The information provided at this CME/CE activity is for continuing education purposes only and is not meant to substitute for the independent medical/clinical judgment of a healthcare provider relative to diagnostic and treatment options of a specific patient’s medical condition.

This course is intended for osteopathic physicians who wish to earn AOA CME credit. Take this version of the course to ensure you receive appropriate credit.

 

 
 

Reviews

Michael K. on 1/26/2021

Jeffrey D. on 5/10/2021

Laurie A. on 7/25/2021

Lars P. on 9/25/2021

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