Melkersson-Rosenthal syndrome (MRS) is a rare condition characterized by re
current facial paralysis in addition to various orofacial manifestations. T
he condition appears to be a granulomatous disorder causing oedema and infl
ammation of the soft tissues of the face, lips, oral cavity and particularl
y, the facial nerve. There is general agreement that the symptoms and signs
resolve spontaneously, aided perhaps by an empirical course of oral steroi
ds. However, in some patients the condition may be progressive, leading to
disfiguring facial synkinesis and increasing residual paralysis. There is a
necdotal evidence in the literature to suggest that surgical decompression
of the facial nerve in its entire intratemporal course may prevent further
attacks of facial paralysis and its sequelae. We present here our experienc
e with surgical decompression of the facial nerve in a 27-year-old woman wi
th MRS who had sufferent recurrent left-sided facial palsy since the age of
four. A review of the literature pertaining to facial nerve decompression
for Melkersson-Rosenthal syndrome is presented.