Persistent facial nerve palsy after middle meningeal artery embolization for subdural hematoma: a case report

Objective: To describe a case of persistent facial nerve palsy after middle meningeal artery (MMA) embolization for chronic subdural hematoma (cSDH). Methods: A literature search was conducted for publications within the last 10 years of facial nerve palsy following cerebral circulation embolization procedures. Results: With inconsistencies between previously believed pathophysiology and clinical features, other mechanisms causing cSDH such as angiogenesis and capillary formation have been proposed. MMA embolization has evolved as a therapeutic approach to reduce recurrence of subdural hematoma; however, postoperative neural complications such as cranial nerve palsies are poorly described in the literature. Conclusions: cSDH is increasingly more common and is on trajectory to become the most prevalent cranial neurosurgical condition. MMA embolization is described as a safe and minimally invasive procedure; however, as a relatively new procedure further research is needed to elucidate associated complications.