Facial nerve neuritis secondary to ultraviolet radiation

We describe a patient who developed facial nerve injury following significant exposure to UV radiation. A 49-y-old construction worker developed erythema and edema on the left side of his face (exposed side) 12 h after working within 18 in of a compromised metal halide incandescent light bulb for a total of 2 h. One month later, the patient noted a painful burning sensation over the left side of his face associated with marked left facial weakness and inability to close his eye (peripheral VIIth nerve palsy). Two months later, synkinetic left facial movements were consistent with aberrant regeneration. Over the next several months, forceful episodic spasmodic activity developed in the muscles of facial expression on the left, identical to that seen in hemifacial spasm. Rarely has UV radiation been implicated in damage to subcutaneous nerves. This case demonstrates that significant neurologic morbidity may follow high exposure to UV radiation.