RT Journal Article SR Electronic T1 Plane palsy: a case of transient facial weakness during an aircraft flight JF BMJ Case Reports FD BMJ Publishing Group Ltd SP bcr-2018-224593 DO 10.1136/bcr-2018-224593 VO 2018 A1 Rebecca White A1 David Shackleton YR 2018 UL http://casereports.bmj.com/content/2018/bcr-2018-224593.abstract AB Changes in atmospheric pressure have been reported to cause a transient lower motor neuron weakness of the facial nerve. We report the case of a passenger on an international flight who developed a unilateral facial weakness after take-off which resolved within 45 min. The effect is thought to be due to an ischaemic neuropraxia of the facial nerve caused by increased middle ear pressure compressing the facial nerve in an exposed facial canal. The condition has been commonly reported in scuba-divers but less frequently in airline passengers. Treatment is not necessary.