Neurological sequelae of malignant external otitis.

The neurological sequelae of malignant external otitis (MEO) form a characteristic syndrome. Following Pseudomonas external otitis, usually in an elderly, diabetic patient, either isolated facial nerve paralysis or multiple cranial nerve palsies develop. Once extensive neurological signs have developed, recovery rarely occurs. We saw a patient with MEO and multiple cranial nerve palsies who recovered following an extended course of gentamicin sulfate and carbenicillin disodium therapy.