BELL peripheral facial paralysis

This article was written by Dr. Aursulesei Ruxandra, pediatric neurologist specialist with extensive experience in diagnosing and treating neurological conditions. Pediatric neurology plays an important role in the periodic neurological evaluation of premature infants, as well as of all newborns at risk of developing neurological sequelae, with the goal of early detection and treatment of any impairment of the nervous system.

What is peripheral facial palsy (PFP)?

It is an acute, idiopathic facial paralysis involving the territory of the facial nerve.

Is peripheral facial palsy a stroke?

No.

What is the difference between PFP and a stroke?

In PFP, the entire half of the face is involved, whereas in a stroke, only the lower part of that half of the face is affected.

What are the causes of PFP?

Most often, PFP is idiopathic, but it can also be found in people who have a history of a recent viral infection, or in those who have had repeated infections with the herpes simplex virus.

Can the predisposition for PFP be transmitted genetically?

Approximately 1-2% of patients have a positive family history for PFP.

Can PFP be cured? Does it leave sequelae?

Yes, in most cases the deficit fully recovers, this percentage varying depending on the cause of the PFP, as well as on receiving the appropriate treatment.

Can the PFP episode recur?

Yes, in 6% of cases.

What symptoms can PFP cause?

Initially, the child may feel pain or paresthesia in the ear or face on the side of the paresis, but these are of low intensity. Frequently, children cannot fully close the eye on the affected side, and the corner of the mouth is pulled toward the healthy side, which can make drinking liquids difficult. Also, an alteration of taste may be observed, with the child no longer liking the taste of foods they preferred before the episode.

How is PFP treated?

• anti-inflammatories
• kinetotherapy
• electrotherapy
• massage

If it's not Bell's palsy, what other causes could it have?

• Lyme disease
• Herpes zoster of the geniculate ganglion
• Epstein-Barr virus
• Chickenpox
• Mumps
• Kawasaki disease
• Otitis media
• Mastoiditis
• Tumors
• Hypertension
• Trauma
• Neurosarcoidosis
• Melkersson-Rosenthal syndrome
• Brainstem encephalitis

Centrokinetic is prepared for this specialization with a team of experienced doctors and the necessary equipment for diagnosis, monitoring and treatment. Find out more about pediatric neurology and book an appointment at Centrokinetichere.