Bell's palsy presenting after a case of Campylobacter enteritis

A case of unilateral facial paralysis following infection with Campylobacter jejuni is presented.

A 37-yr-old U.S. Army Reserve aviator presented with complaints consistent with an infectious gastroenteritis. This presentation was quickly followed by acute right-sided facial hemiparesis with sparing of sensation. He had no other neurological symptoms. Complete neurological evaluation showed no evidence of underlying neurological pathology and the patient was diagnosed with Bell's palsy. He was later notified by the state Department of Health that he and his family had likely been exposed to organic milk contaminated with Campylobacter jejuni.

This case depicts a previously unreported reaction likely due to C. jejuni infection and the direct impact on aviation duties for a flyer.