Treatment for Facial Droop in Mumps

Pathophysiology and Diagnostic Approach

Mumps virus demonstrates tropism for salivary glands but can also affect neural tissues, including the facial nerve, leading to inflammation and subsequent facial weakness or paralysis 1
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends confirming mumps diagnosis through clinical presentation plus laboratory confirmation via isolation of mumps virus from clinical specimens, significant rise in serum mumps IgG antibody, or positive serologic test for mumps IgM antibody 2, 3

The American Academy of Pediatrics and other guideline societies recommend initiating corticosteroid therapy promptly to reduce inflammation and improve nerve function, with a dosage of prednisone 1-2 mg/kg/day for 5-7 days followed by a taper over 5-7 days 4
Corticosteroid therapy is not contraindicated in mumps when treatment is short-term, low-to-moderate doses are used, and it's administered for physiologic replacement 4

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends providing adequate hydration and pain control with acetaminophen or NSAIDs, and eye protection if facial weakness prevents complete eye closure 5, 6
Complete recovery from facial droop associated with mumps occurs in approximately 70-80% of cases within 3-6 months 1

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention states that vaccination remains the most effective prevention strategy, with two doses of MMR vaccine providing approximately 88% protection 1
During outbreaks, implement droplet precautions and isolation for 5 days after onset of parotitis, and identify and vaccinate susceptible contacts to limit spread 6