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.
- Provider:StatPearls, LLC
- Activity Link: https://www.statpearls.com/ArticleLibrary/viewarticle/14
- Start Date: 2023-09-01 05:00:00
- End Date: 2023-09-01 05:00:00
- Credit Details: AMA PRA Category 1 Credit™️: 1.0 hours
Nursing: 1.0 hours
Pharmacy: 1.0 hours - MOC Credit Details: ABS - 1.0 Point; Credit Type(s): Accredited CME (ABS)
ABPATH - 1.0 Point; Credit Type(s): Lifelong Learning (ABPATH)
ABA - 1.0 Point; Credit Type(s): Lifelong Learning (ABA)
ABIM - 1.0 Point; Credit Type(s): Medical Knowledge (ABIM)
ABS - 1.0 Point; Credit Type(s): Self-Assessment (ABS)
ABP - 1.0 Point; Credit Type(s): Lifelong Learning and Self-Assessment (ABP)
ABOHNS - 1.0 Point; Credit Type(s): Self-Assessment (ABOHNS) - Commercial Support: No
- Activity Type: Enduring Material
- CME Finder Type: Online Learning
- Fee to Participate: Variable
- Measured Outcome: Learner Knowledge, Learner/Team Competence
- Provider Ship: Directly Provided
- Registration: Open to all
- Specialty: Adolescent Medicine, Ambulatory/Outpatient, General Operative Anesthesia, General Otolaryngology, General Pediatrics, General Surgery, Internal Medicine, Neuro Anesthesia, Neuropathology (incl. Neuromuscular), Otology, Pain Medicine, Pediatric Emergency Medicine, Pediatric Neurology, Sports Medicine