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Bilateral simultaneous Bell's palsy. Two cases following herpes simplex gingivostomatitis
M R Ghonim1, C Gavilán, M J Sarría
1Department of ENT (Otoneurology Unit), La Paz Hospital, Autonomic Faculty of Medicine, Madrid, Spain.
Summary
Bilateral simultaneous Bell's palsy, a rare condition, can occur after herpes simplex gingivostomatitis. These cases suggest Bell's palsy may indicate a broader nerve issue linked to reactivated herpes simplex virus.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Virology
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Bell's palsy, a sudden facial nerve paralysis, is typically unilateral.
- Bilateral simultaneous Bell's palsy (BSBP) is an exceptionally rare clinical occurrence.
Observation:
- This report details two patients presenting with BSBP.
- Both patients had recently experienced herpes simplex gingivostomatitis.
Findings:
- The clinical presentation in these cases supports the hypothesis that Bell's palsy can be a component of a generalized polyneuropathy.
- Herpes simplex virus (HSV) reactivation is strongly implicated as the causative agent.
Implications:
- These findings suggest that clinicians should consider HSV reactivation in cases of BSBP.
- Recognizing BSBP as a potential manifestation of a wider neuropathic process may improve patient diagnosis and management.