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Infectious Mononucleosis Causing Bell's Palsy: A Case Report

Roopin P Singh1, William Parker2, Gowrish Vaka1

  • 1Medicine, Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine, Monroe, USA.

Cureus
|June 16, 2025
PubMed

Insights

Infectious mononucleosis, caused by Epstein-Barr virus, can rarely lead to Bell's palsy. This case report details a young woman experiencing facial paralysis as a neurological complication of mononucleosis.

Area of Science:

  • Neurology
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Otolaryngology

Background:

  • Infectious mononucleosis, commonly known as mono, is a viral illness typically caused by the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV).
  • It presents with symptoms such as fever, swollen lymph nodes (lymphadenopathy), and throat inflammation (pharyngitis).
  • Bell's palsy is characterized by sudden, unilateral facial weakness or paralysis with diverse potential causes.

Observation:

  • This report focuses on an 18-year-old female patient.
  • The patient was diagnosed with Bell's palsy, a condition affecting facial nerve function.
  • This diagnosis was linked to Epstein-Barr virus-associated infectious mononucleosis.

Findings:

  • The case highlights Bell's palsy as a rare neurological complication of infectious mononucleosis.
  • Facial nerve palsy is an atypical manifestation in patients with Epstein-Barr virus-induced mononucleosis.
  • This presentation underscores the varied neurological sequelae of EBV infection.

Implications:

  • This case expands the understanding of potential neurological complications associated with Epstein-Barr virus.
  • It emphasizes the importance of considering infectious mononucleosis in the differential diagnosis of Bell's palsy, especially in young adults.
  • Further research may elucidate the specific mechanisms linking EBV to facial nerve dysfunction.
Keywords:
bells palsyepstein barr virus (ebv)facial nerve paralysisinfectious mononucleosis (im)kissing disease

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