Bilateral Facial Nerve Palsy in a Patient With Leptospirosis From Panama

Cristel M Rodriguez-Vargas1, Ana B Arauz2,1

  • 1Infectious Diseases, Hospital Santo Tomas, Panama, PAN.

Cureus
|April 30, 2026
PubMed

Insights

This case report details an unusual neurological presentation of leptospirosis, a tropical zoonotic disease. A Panamanian man developed bilateral facial palsy and liver issues, highlighting atypical symptoms of this infection.

Area of Science:

  • Infectious Diseases
  • Neurology
  • Tropical Medicine

Background:

  • Leptospirosis is a widespread zoonotic disease caused by *Leptospira* bacteria.
  • It presents with varied severity, impacting organs like the lungs, liver, and kidneys.
  • Neurologic manifestations occur in 10%-20% of cases, commonly aseptic meningitis, but also cranial nerve palsies and encephalitis.

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