Pontine stroke: a rare mimicker of Bell's palsy

Pontine infarct is a rare but clinically significant cause of an isolated facial nerve palsy. Prompt diagnosis with the use of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) allows early initiation of treatment for such patients. We report a 62-year-old gentleman with diabetes, hypertension, and gout, presenting with lower motor neuron facial nerve palsy. This report highlights that isolated facial nerve palsy is not always associated with Bell's palsy, which remains the commonest cause of facial nerve paralysis. A thorough neurological examination and good clinical correlation with the patient's history and physical findings, coupled with the use of facial nerve anatomical knowledge and early employment of MRI, are imperative in clinching the diagnosis.