Ischemic facial nerve paralysis was induced by injection of epinephrine or saline through each stylomastoid foramen in a rabbit. Lid reflex, nerve excitability and electroneuronography were measured preoperatively and 1st, 4th, 7th, 10th, 14th, 17th, 21st, 24th, and 28th day postoperatively. The degree of facial nerve paralysis was more marked and the recovery time from paralysis was more prolonged in the epinephrine injected side than in the saline injected side. It was concluded that a combination of mechanical effect and the action of vasoconstriction of epinephrine results in facial nerve paralysis.