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Nerve Swelling After Mastoidectomy And Tympanoplasty. How Long Will It Take To Recover?

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Posted on Wed, 13 Jun 2012
Question: My mom underwent a Mastoidectomy and Tympanoplasty of the right ear. 4 days after the surgery she started having problem in closure of her right eye and her lower lip tilts a little while talking. We consulted the doctor and the doctor told there is a nerve swelling. He has prescribed steroids and antibiotics. I just wanted to know how long will it take for the recovery and what all should I do to fasten the recovery.
doctor
Answered by Dr. Mitaly (18 minutes later)
Hello,

Thanks for posting your query.

After surgery for Mastoidectomy and Tympanoplasty it is usual to experience pain,discomfort,ear discharge,metallic taste in mouth,slight hearing loss,dizziness for 2 to 3 weeks after surgery.These symptoms ae temporary and resolve gradually.

Anything beyond a month as facial weakness,persistent ear discharge,hearing loss,difficulty in closing eyes needs careful monitoring and can be suggestive of post operative complications.

Some measures to ensure proper healing:

1)Avoid blowing nose very hard and sneezing loudly.

2)Avoid exposing the ear to water specially while having head bath.It would be better if someone assists her during hair wash.

3)Avoid flying especially for long duration.

4)Avoid stress and relax.

It may take upto 4 weeks for her to recover completely so in between if she develops any new symptom consider visiting the operating surgeon for evaluation.

Hope this answers your query.I will be available for follow up query.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Radhika
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Mitaly (33 minutes later)
But how about her facial weakness. Can that recover within 4 weeks.
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Follow up: Dr. Mitaly (4 minutes later)
I wanted to know why exactly does the problem occur, and if it occurs, how long does it take for the recovery.
doctor
Answered by Dr. Mitaly (14 minutes later)
Hello,

Thanks for writing again

Facial weakness can be resolved within a month time if she is during the recovery phase.

As the nerves supplying the ear and facial muscles are same they may be slightly irritated during the surgical process and would heal with time.

So you can consider waiting for few weeks.But as I explained you earlier that if she develops any new symptom or the present symptoms worsen then consider visiting her surgeon for evaluation.

Wishing her Good health!
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Radhika
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Mitaly (21 minutes later)
Thanks a lot for your answer.. How should we take care of her eye??
doctor
Answered by Dr. Mitaly (19 minutes later)
Hello,

Thanks again.

Regarding the eye avoid unnecessary strain such as watching television for long hours.

Avoid exposure to dust,allergens.
Take rest and close eyes for relaxation after few hours of work.
Avoid work which involves eye straining as sewing,knitting etc.

Take care!
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Radhika
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Answered by
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Dr. Mitaly

General & Family Physician

Practicing since :2005

Answered : 466 Questions

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Nerve Swelling After Mastoidectomy And Tympanoplasty. How Long Will It Take To Recover?

Hello,

Thanks for posting your query.

After surgery for Mastoidectomy and Tympanoplasty it is usual to experience pain,discomfort,ear discharge,metallic taste in mouth,slight hearing loss,dizziness for 2 to 3 weeks after surgery.These symptoms ae temporary and resolve gradually.

Anything beyond a month as facial weakness,persistent ear discharge,hearing loss,difficulty in closing eyes needs careful monitoring and can be suggestive of post operative complications.

Some measures to ensure proper healing:

1)Avoid blowing nose very hard and sneezing loudly.

2)Avoid exposing the ear to water specially while having head bath.It would be better if someone assists her during hair wash.

3)Avoid flying especially for long duration.

4)Avoid stress and relax.

It may take upto 4 weeks for her to recover completely so in between if she develops any new symptom consider visiting the operating surgeon for evaluation.

Hope this answers your query.I will be available for follow up query.