The term congenital facial paralysis is applied to a group of cases in which the paralysis is noticed at or shortly after birth. The definition is qualified in this way to include certain cases of undoubted congenital origin in which symptoms are not recognized at birth. The subject of congenital facial paralysis has had sufficient attention for one to assume a clearly defined picture for it, but, unfortunately on review of the literature one finds little clarity about the condition. This confusion has come about more from lack of understanding of the mechanism of development, together with the absence of a simple working outline, than from any other reason. In attempting to formulate such a classification, several factors must be taken into consideration. From a scientific standpoint, an anatomic classification might be more accurate, for instance, the division into supranuclear or nuclear lesions, lesions at the exit of the nerve from the pons, lesions in the aqueduct of Fallopius, and lesions peripheral to the exit of the nerve from the stylomastoid foramen, as is commonly given in treatises on facial paralysis in the adult. But this is not practical in small infants because of the difficulty in determining the status of hearing, taste and smell at this age. On the other hand, a classification based more or less on the cause makes the diagnosis more simple, localizes the lesion fairly accurately, and makes it possible to offer a definite prognosis with greater ease, a vitally important affair to the parents. From an etiologic consideration, there are two general groups into which these cases may be divided : Obstetric
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