Can COVID-19 Cause Peripheral Facial Nerve Palsy?

Area of Science:

• Neurology
• Infectious Diseases
• Public Health

Background:

• Peripheral facial paralysis is a neurological condition affecting facial nerve function.
• Emerging evidence suggests a potential link between coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) and neurological complications.
• Understanding these associations is crucial for timely diagnosis and management.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the relationship between peripheral facial paralysis and COVID-19 infection or exposure.
• To analyze clinical characteristics and outcomes of patients presenting with facial paralysis in the context of COVID-19.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective analysis of 34 patients admitted for peripheral facial paralysis within 6 months.
• Inclusion criteria: history of contact with a COVID-19 patient or confirmed COVID-19 diagnosis.
• Data collected: paralysis grade, treatment, duration, outcomes, and COVID-19 status via RT-PCR.

Main Results:

• Eight patients (5 with contact, 3 with COVID-19) tested positive for COVID-19.
• Peripheral facial paralysis was an initial finding in 5 of the 8 positive patients.
• Paralysis onset occurred 7-12 days post-COVID-19 diagnosis in 3 patients; outcomes varied based on COVID-19 status.

Conclusions:

• Peripheral facial palsy can be a clinical manifestation of COVID-19.
• The neuroinvasive potential of COVID-19 may contribute to facial nerve involvement.
• Facial paralysis should be considered in the differential diagnosis of patients with suspected or confirmed COVID-19.