Serum Magnesium Concentration in Patients With Bell's Palsy: A Case-Control Study
Canser Yilmaz Demir1, Nazim Bozan2
1Department of Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, Van Yuzuncu Yil University, Van, Turkiye.
Ear, Nose, & Throat Journal
|July 26, 2024
Summary
Patients with Bell's palsy showed significantly lower serum magnesium levels compared to healthy individuals. This study suggests a potential link between low magnesium and Bell's palsy, warranting further investigation.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Magnesium deficiency is linked to various conditions including inflammation and neuropathy.
- Bell's palsy, a neurological disorder, has not been previously studied regarding serum magnesium levels.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate serum magnesium concentration in patients diagnosed with Bell's palsy.
- To compare magnesium levels between Bell's palsy patients and a healthy control group.
Main Methods:
- A case-control study involving 24 Bell's palsy patients and 24 matched healthy controls.
- Serum magnesium concentration was measured using atomic absorption spectrometry.
- Demographic data and serum magnesium levels were statistically analyzed.
Main Results:
- No significant differences in age, sex, or body mass index were observed between groups.
- Bell's palsy patients exhibited significantly lower serum magnesium levels (11.44 ± 1.54 µg/dL) compared to healthy controls (27.35 ± 2.82 µg/dL).
- A statistically significant difference in serum magnesium was found (P < .001).
Conclusions:
- The study suggests a significant association between decreased serum magnesium concentration and Bell's palsy.
- This is the initial research exploring this association, and its limitations should be acknowledged.
