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Bell's Palsy and COVID-19: Insights from a Population-Based Analysis
Divya Balchander1, Claudia I Cabrera2,3, Hira Qureshi2
1Drexel University School of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA.
Facial Plastic Surgery & Aesthetic Medicine
|September 26, 2023
Summary
COVID-19 infection significantly increases the risk of Bell's palsy and facial paralysis compared to vaccination. Vaccinated individuals do not face a higher risk of these conditions post-vaccination.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Infectious Diseases
- Epidemiology
Background:
- Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has been associated with neurological complications, including Bell's palsy and facial paralysis.
- Previous studies indicated an elevated risk of Bell's palsy in unvaccinated individuals following COVID-19 infection.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate and compare the incidence and risk of Bell's palsy and facial paralysis following COVID-19 infection versus COVID-19 vaccination.
- To assess the relationship between COVID-19 status (infected or vaccinated) and the development of facial nerve disorders.
Main Methods:
- A retrospective longitudinal study design was employed.
- Data were collected from 70 healthcare organizations in the United States via the COVID-19 research network.
- The incidence of Bell's palsy and facial palsy was analyzed within an 8-week period after a COVID-19 diagnostic test or vaccination event.
Main Results:
- The incidence of facial palsy diagnosis post-COVID-19 infection (0.99%) exceeded the background rate.
- COVID-19 infected patients exhibited a significantly higher risk of Bell's palsy (RR=1.77) and facial weakness (RR=2.28) compared to uninfected individuals.
- The risk of Bell's palsy (RR=12.57) and facial palsy (RR=44.43) was substantially amplified in COVID-19 infected patients relative to vaccinated patients.
Conclusions:
- COVID-19 infection presents a greater risk for developing facial palsy within two months compared to COVID-19 vaccination.
- The study indicates that individuals receiving COVID-19 vaccination are not at an increased risk of developing facial palsy.
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