The Palpebral Spring for Paralysis of the Upper Eyelid in Facial Nerve Paralysis

Abstract

W HEN seventh nerve dysfunction is accompanied by some degree of fifth nerve dysfunction, as may occur following total removal of acoustic tumors, there is always the possibility of corneal ulceration. The transient weakness or paralysis of the seventh nerve following acoustic surgery has classically been handled by surgical closure of the eyelid, a disfiguring operation. Morel-Fat io and Lalardr iC described the use of a stainless steel wire spring as an alternative means for correction of the eyelid in patients with facial paralysis. We have used the palpebral spring in nine patients. Eight of these had facial paralysis due to removal of an acoustic neuroma; one was due