Idiopathic Peripheral Facial Palsy Research Articles

Search for Herpesviruses in cerebrospinal fluid of facial palsy patients by PCR

Conclusions: Herpes simplex virus 1 (HSV-1) and varicella-zoster virus (VZV) DNA were not detected in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) of patients with acute idiopathic peripheral facial palsy (Bell's palsy). Our results indicate either the absence of these viruses or the presence of technical shortcomings. The role of human herpesvirus 6 (HHV-6) in this disorder and the significance of a positive HHV-6 DNA finding in the central nervous system need further investigation. Objective: Our goal was to determine whether DNA of HSV-1, VZV, or HHV-6 can be found by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) in the CSF of peripheral facial palsy patients. Materials and methods: We used PCR to detect the presence of HSV-1, VZV, and HHV-6 DNA in CSF. This was a retrospective case control study with 33 peripheral facial palsy patients (34 CSF samples) in the study group (26 with Bell's palsy, 5 with simultaneously diagnosed herpesvirus infection, 1 with puerperal facial palsy, 1 with Melkersson-Rosenthal syndrome). The control group included 36 patients, most with diagnosed or suspected Borreliosis and facial palsy or sudden deafness. Results: One patient with Bell's palsy had HHV-6 DNA in CSF. Neither HSV-1 nor VZV DNA was detected in patients or controls.

Idiopathic facial paralysis (Bell’s palsy) in the immediate puerperium in a patient with mild preeclampsia: a case report

Idiopathic peripheral facial palsy is the most common and frequent unilateral cranial neurological disorder characterized by an isolated facial nerve paralysis. We report a case of an idiopathic facial paralysis (Bell's palsy) in the immediate puerperium in a patient with mild preeclampsia and diagnosed fetal IUGR. Additionally, the presence of Bell's palsy in the puerperium of the mother of our patient suggests a familiar tendency. Every gynaecologist and obstetrician should be aware of this quite uncommon complication during pregnancy and the puerperium. This case report illustrates that Bell's palsy can occur in the immediate post-partum after mild preeclamptic symptoms. For these women, a maternal surveillance can be recommended. A fast and accurate diagnosis with a subsequent immediate treatment might be very important in avoiding worsening of the symptoms and therefore improve the recovery prognosis.

Varicella-Zoster Virus Reactivation Is an Important Cause of Acute Peripheral Facial Paralysis in Children

Reactivation of herpes simplex virus type 1 is thought to be a major cause of adult idiopathic peripheral facial paralysis or Bell's palsy. However, few studies have examined the pathogenesis of this condition in children. Serologic assays and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) analysis of paired sera and saliva samples were used here to investigate the causes of acute peripheral facial paralysis in pediatric patients. A total of 30 children with acute peripheral facial paralysis were recruited. Paired sera were assayed for evidence of herpesvirus, mumps virus or Borrelia infection. PCR was used to detect herpes simplex virus type 1 and varicella-zoster virus (VZV) DNA in saliva samples. Ramsay Hunt syndrome with accompanying zoster lesions was diagnosed clinically in 2 patients, and VZV reactivation was confirmed serologically. VZV reactivation in the absence of zoster (zoster sine herpete) was diagnosed in 9 patients with either serologic assays or PCR. Thus VZV reactivation was demonstrated in 11 of 30 (37%) patients. The prevalence of VZV reactivation among patients between 6 and 15 years of age was significantly higher than in those younger than 5 years of age (53% versus 9%, P = 0.023). Our data indicate that VZV reactivation is an important cause of acute peripheral facial paralysis in children, especially those between 6 and 15 years of age.

Nocturnal Onset and Development of Bell's Palsy

To examine the mechanism and pathophysiology of idiopathic peripheral facial palsy (Bell's palsy), the mode of onset of facial palsy was investigated. Retrospective case review. We identified the point at which patients with facial palsy first noticed their illness using our medical charts for 648 patients and information from 3,580 facial palsy cases who visited an Internet site; we found that the time of a patient's first awareness of his or her illness was mentioned in 258 (204 Bell's palsy) and 53 cases, respectively. These cases were divided into three periods: morning, afternoon, and night. The ratio of morning:afternoon:night in the two groups was 141:30:33 and 50:0:3, respectively. These findings indicate that the majority of patients first noticed their palsy in the morning. Because several hours are required for facial palsy to develop before becoming apparent, this suggests that the onset and development of facial palsy occurred during sleep, when circulatory dynamics are reduced. In humans, ischemia is more likely to occur and produce facial palsy than virus reactivation.

The role of viruses in idiopathic peripheral facial palsy and cellular immune response

Purpose The purpose of this study is to investigate the role of viruses on the idiopathic peripheral facial palsy and show the interaction of immune system. Materials and methods The levels of immunoglobulin (Ig) G and IgM antibodies against to varicella-zoster virus (VZV), herpes simplex virus (HSV), cytomegalovirus (CMV), Ebstein-Barr virus (EBV), and mumps virus in venous blood taken from patients in the amount of 10 mL have been investigated by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay method. Tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interferon-γ (IFN-γ), and transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) were also examined. Of lymphocyte subpopulation, antibodies of CD3 +, CD4 +, CD8 +, CD19 +, and CD16 + plus 56 + were analyzed. Results Ten of the patients had HSV-1 IgG; 1 of the patients IgM, 5 of the patients EBV IgG, 6 of the patients VZV IgG, 1 of the patients IgM, 9 of the patients mumps IgG, 1 of the patients IgM, and finally in 7 of the patients CMV IgG antibodies were obtained. It was found that CD4 + cell and ratio of CD4 +/CD8 + lower and the percentage of the CD8 + and CD16 + plus 56 + cells higher compared with the control group ( P < .05). The levels of TNF-α were lower, whereas IFN-γ and TGF-β1 were higher. Conclusion It may be concluded from these results that VZV, HSV-1, CMV, EBV, and mumps virus play a significant role in the etiology of idiopathic peripheral facial palsy and activate the cellular immunity.

Quantitative analysis of MRI intensity in of the major petrosal nerve in patients with idiopathic facial paralysis

The objective of this study was to evaluate signal intensity increases in the greater petrosal nerve after contrast agent administration to gather information on the etiology of idiopathic peripheral facial paralysis. Magnetic resonance images were obtained from 18 patients who received inpatient medical treatment for acute peripheral facial nerve palsy. Images of intratemporal segments of the facial nerve were taken with a slice thickness of 0.75 mm. After multiplanar reconstruction, regions of interest (ROI) were defined in the proximal segment of the greater petrosal nerve. After multiplanar reconstruction, it was possible to visualize the greater petrosal nerves of all 18 patients. The nerve's average diameter was found to be 0.68 mm (range 0.5-0.9). Signal intensity increased by an average of 50.3% (range -10-146%) after contrast agent administration. Whereas this intensity was slightly reduced in two patients, it was increased in 16. No correlation could be established between greater signal intensity and medical history, clinical condition, laboratory findings, or electrophysiological data. In contrast to quantitative measurements in the facial nerve, ROI measurements in the greater petrosal nerve do not correlate with medical history, clinical condition, or laboratory findings. For this reason, MRI of this nerve does not enable us to draw conclusions on the etiology of idiopathic peripheral facial paralysis.

Facial palsy following dental extraction: report of 2 cases

Peripheral facial palsy (PFP) is the most frequent cranial nerve motor neuropathy. It may be due to traumatic, compressive, infective, inflammatory, and metabolic abnormalities. However, the majority of cases remain without an identified etiology and will eventually be diagnosed as idiopathic peripheral facial palsy, or Bell’s palsy. 1 Steiner I. Mattan Y. Bell’s palsy and herpes viruses To (acyclo)vir or not to (acyclo)vir?. J Neurol Sci. 1999; 170: 19 Abstract Full Text Full Text PDF PubMed Scopus (44) Google Scholar

Achados fonoaudiológicos em pacientes submetidos a anastomose hipoglosso facial

A anastomose hipoglosso-facial (AHF) tem sido realizada em pacientes com lesão dos segmentos mais proximais do nervo facial em que outros procedimentos cirúrgicos não foram possíveis ou não obtiveram êxito. OBJETIVO: O objetivo atual da pesquisa é verificar as alterações na mobilidade dos órgãos fonoarticulatórios, quanto à função da fala, mastigação e da deglutição, em pacientes submetidos a AHF. FORMA DE ESTUDO: Clínico prospectivo. MATERIAL E MÉTODO: Foram avaliados 8 pacientes, com paralisia facial periférica (PFP), submetidos a AHF, na UNIFESP/EPM, no período de 1998 a 2000, sendo 6 do sexo feminino e 2 do sexo masculino, idades entre 21 e 71 anos e mediana de 50 anos. Desses, 5 pós-exerése do Schwannoma do Nervo Vestibular, 1 pós-exerése de Fibrossarcoma, 1 pós-ferimento por arma de fogo e 1 pós-paralisia facial idiopática de má evolução. Na avaliação fonoaudiológica, o protocolo consta de: dados de identificação; classificação da recuperação do nervo facial; tratamentos realizados; simetria facial no repouso e no movimento voluntário; sincinesias para olho, boca, nariz e bochechas; distúrbios fonoarticulatórios e da motricidade da língua; alteração na mastigação e do paladar, e questionário referente ao parecer dos respectivos distúrbios para serem respondidos pelo paciente. RESULTADO: O grau de paralisia pós-anastomose e reabilitação variou para os olhos entre II e V e para a boca entre III e V (House &amp; Brackemann, 1985). Concluímos que recuperação foi satisfatória e importante, mas a expectativa de melhora foi inferior ao esperado pelos pacientes. Foram observados: imprecisão articulatória, disfunção mastigatória, escape bucal de alimentos e disfagia.

Magnetic resonance imaging of the intratemporal facial nerve in idiopathic peripheral facial palsy

The aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence of facial nerve involvement with gadolinium-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (Gd-MRI) in patients with idiopathic peripheral facial palsy (IPFP), and to discuss the localization and the pattern of enhancement. A total of 13 patients (9 female, 4 male) with IFPF were included in this study. Topographic tests and electromyography (EMG) were performed, and MRI was taken. Ten subjects whose cranial MRIs were taken for nonorganic pathology served as the control group. Twelve of 13 paralytic facial nerves had enhancement on postcontrast images. Two facial nerves of the control group demonstrated enhancement. We found a correlation between the enhancement of the facial nerve and the time for recovery. The average time from the onset of facial palsy to the recovery in patients with enhancement was 14 weeks, whereas it was 6 weeks in patient with no enhancement. Finally, all patients had complete recovery of the facial nerve function. We concluded that contrast enhancement of the paralytic facial nerve can be a radiological sign of a neural inflammation and may indicate a prolonged recovery.

Bell's Palsy: The Spontaneous Course of 2,500 Peripheral Facial Nerve Palsies of Different Etiologies

Objective - The Copenhagen Facial Nerve Study aims to explain the spontaneous course of idiopathic peripheral facial nerve palsy which occurs without any kind of treatment. In this study Bell's palsy and idiopathic palsy are considered to be synonymous and specify an acute, monosymptomatic, unilateral peripheral facial paresis of unknown etiology. Material and methods - The material includes 2,570 cases of peripheral facial nerve palsy studied during a period of 25 years. It includes 1,701 cases of Bell's palsy and 869 of non-Bell's palsy. In the total patient sample, 116 had herpes zoster, 76 were diabetic, 46 were pregnant and 169 were neonates. A total of 38 different etiologies were observed. At the first consultation a standard ENT examination was performed, including a thorough description of the grade and localization of the paresis, taste, stapedius reflex and nasolacrimal reflex tests and acoustic-vestibular examination. Follow-up was done once a week during the first month and subsequently once a month until normal function was restored or for up to 1 year. Results - The initial examination revealed 30% incomplete and 70% complete palsies. Follow-up showed that in 85% of patients function was returned within 3 weeks and in the remaining 15% after 3-5 months. In 71% of patients normal mimical function was obtained. Sequelae were slight in 12% of patients, mild in 13% and severe in 4%. Contracture and associated movements were found in 17% and 16% of patients, respectively. Conclusion - A survey of the literature showed that no kind of treatment, including prednisone, was able to give a better prognosis. The use of prednisone raises a big ethical problem because no evidence of its efficacy exists and the euphoric side-effect induces a false feeling of benefit in the patients.

Clinical Evaluation of Patients with Peripheral Facial Paralysis caused by Lyme Disease and Idiopathic Peripheral Facial Paralysis

Clinical Evaluation of Patients with Peripheral Facial Paralysis caused by Lyme Disease and Idiopathic Peripheral Facial Paralysis

Herpes simplex virus type 1 reactivation and antiviral therapy in patients with acute peripheral facial palsy

Objective: Recent studies provide compelling data for the hypothesis that herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) is implicated in the pathogenesis of idiopathic peripheral facial palsy (Bell's palsy). The present study analyzed the severity of facial palsy in patients with HSV-1 reactivation and sought to determine the efficacy of acyclovir–prednisone therapy for these patients. Materials and methods: In total, 176 patients, clinically diagnosed with Bell's palsy, were divided into three groups by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and serological tests — 31 patients with HSV-1 reactivation, 45 patients with VZV reactivation (zoster sine herpete) and 100 patients without HSV-1 or VZV reactivation (Bell's palsy). Results: The difference in the worst grade of facial palsy between patients with zoster sine herpete and Bell's palsy was significant ( P=0.01 10, Mann–Whitney U-test). In contrast, no difference in the severity of palsy was observed between patients with HSV-1 reactivation and Bell's palsy. Twelve patients received acyclovir–prednisone treatment within 7 days of onset based on positive PCR results and ten of the 12 (83%) recovered completely. In contrast, 14 patients with HSV-1 reactivation received prednisone treatment because their PCR tests were performed at a later date; ten of these 14 (71%) recovered completely. The difference in the cure rate between the two treatment groups was not significant ( P>0.05, Fisher exact test). Conclusions: The results indicate that the severity of palsy in patients with HSV-1 reactivation is similar to that in patients with Bell's palsy and suggest that early diagnosis of HSV-1 reactivation by PCR and subsequent acyclovir–prednisone therapy do not improve recovery from facial palsy.

Seasonal Distribution and Epidemiology of Bell’s Palsy

Objectives: The purpose of this study was to investigate the seasonal and epidemic distribution of the disease in the environment of Ioannina prefecture, with a population of 158,000 and a climate of a transitive zone between Mediterranean and continental. Patients: This retrospective study included 125 patients suffering from idiopathic peripheral facial paralysis, treated from 1995 until 1999. The male:female ratio was 62:63. The age of the patients ranged from 7 to 84 years, with a mean age of 50.4 ± 21.8. The annual incidence of the disease was 15.8 per 100,000 population during the 5 years. Results: Correlation between the disease frequency and the age of the patients revealed an increased frequency in patients over 40 years (67.2%) and peak morbidity during the 7th decade (36%). There was no significant difference in the number of cases occurring during the cold – warm half of the year, the four seasons, and in the monthly distribution. By calculating the mean intervals in days between successive cases per month and per season, we observed no significant differences. Conclusions: Our study did not provide any statistically significant results that could indicate seasonal or epidemic distribution of Bell’s palsy.

抗ウイルス剤アシクロビルが奏効したＢｅｌｌ麻ひの２例

The most common cause of acute idiopathic peripheral facial nerve paralysis (Bell's palsy) remains unknown. Recent studies have shown that herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) is one of the most common causes of Bell's palsy. We describe two cases of Bell's palsy that responded to treatment with the antiviral agent acyclovir. Although infectious HSV and HSV-DNA could not be detected in saliva samples obtained from either patient, serological studies indicated that the paralysis was attributed to reactivation of HSV-1. The patients were given acyclovir and prednisolone for 2 weeks. Neural symptoms resolved gradually, and facial nerve paralysis disappeared after 3 weeks.These two cases suggest that early treatment with acyclovir and prednisolone is effective in patients with Bell's palsy.

Bell palsy complicating pregnancy: a review.

The aim of the present work was to review the published evidence on the association of Bell palsy (BP), an acute idiopathic peripheral facial paralysis of unknown etiology, with pregnancy. Reports have shown that women of reproductive age are affected two to four times more often than men of the same age, and pregnant women 3.3 times more often than nonpregnant women. The apparent predisposition of pregnant women to Bell palsy has been attributed to the high extracellular fluid content, viral inflammation, and immunosuppression characteristic of pregnancy, but findings are controversial. Most cases of Bell palsy occur in the third trimester or the puerperium. Onset is acute and painful. Some authors suggest that Bell palsy increases the risk of hypertension and toxemia of pregnancy, whereas the pregnant state, in turn, may affect the course and severity of disease. Recovery is usually good; poor prognostic markers are recurrence in subsequent pregnancy and bilateral disease, both of which are rare. Neonatal outcome is apparently unaffected, although this has been studied rarely. The preferred mode of management remains undecided; it is usually confined to supportive care. Corticosteroids in pregnancy are controversial. We think clinicians should be aware of these findings to avoid unnecessary testing and treatment and to help the patient cope with this acute, painful disease. Obstetricians & Gynecologists, Family Physicians After completion of this article, the reader will be able to identify the potential etiologies of Bell palsy associated with pregnancy and to describe the clinical presentation of this condition in pregnancy and its likelihood for recovery.

Rapid strip assay for detection of anti-herpes simplex virus antibodies: application to prediction of varicella-zoster virus reactivation in patients with acute peripheral facial palsy.

Varicella-zoster virus (VZV) reactivation causes acute peripheral facial palsy in the majority (88%) of patients who lack anti-herpes simplex virus (HSV) antibodies, suggesting that an absence of anti-HSV antibodies is a reliable serological marker for the diagnosis of VZV reactivation in patients who are diagnosed initially as idiopathic peripheral facial palsy (Bell's palsy) [Furuta et al., 2000] Clinical Infectious Diseases]. A simple and rapid immunoassay for detection of anti-HSV antibodies based on HSV type 1 glycoprotein D was developed by modifying the conventional Western blot technique. The assay was evaluated by comparing the results with those of conventional Western blot. In total, 100 sera obtained from patients with acute peripheral facial palsy were tested and judged blindly by two investigators. Twenty-four of 26 HSV-seronegative sera were obtained from patients with VZV reactivation (Ramsay Hunt syndrome or zoster sine herpete). The sensitivity of the assay was over 95% and the specificity was 100%. The two investigators agreed on the diagnosis in 99 of the 100 sera. These results indicate that the rapid strip assay is applicable to prediction of VZV reactivation in patients diagnosed clinically with Bell's palsy before zoster lesions appear or PCR using saliva samples indicates VZV reactivation.

Cerebrospinal fluid in acute peripheral facial palsy.

Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) is rarely analyzed in peripheral facial palsy, and reports in the literature are scarce. We report the CSF findings in 265 patients with acute isolated peripheral facial palsy. The CSF findings were abnormal in 11% of 230 patients with idiopathic peripheral facial palsy, in 60% of 17 patients with Ramsay Hunt syndrome (pleocytosis), in 25% of 8 patients with Lyme disease, in all of 8 patients with HIV infection, and in 2 other patients (sarcoidosis and herpes simplex). We conclude from this large series that the CSF is usually normal in idiopathic peripheral facial palsy. If the CSF is abnormal, a specific cause should be sought.

IgG index in acute idiopathic peripheral facial palsy.

Etiologic hypotheses in acute idiopathic peripheral facial palsy (AIPFP) mostly point to an immunologic dysfunction, probably virus-induced. Though various immunologic abnormalities are reported, the problem is still unsolved. We investigated intrathecal immunoglobulin synthesis in AIPFP as a clue for central nervous system (CNS) immunopathology. We studied IgG index in 24 patients with AIPFP, 10 with other neurological diseases (OND) and 17 with multiple sclerosis (MS). CSF and serum IgG were measured by radial immunodiffusion technique. IgG index is calculated according to Tibbling's formula. IgG indexes were abnormal in 6 patients with AIPFP, 3 with OND and 10 with MS patients. There was no statistical difference between AIPFP and OND groups, while marked difference existed between AIPFP and MS groups. Though IgG indexes were high in 25% of AIPFP patients, statistical analyses did not show any significance of this finding. Lack of a positive result might reflect non-existence of an extensive immunologic pathology within CNS, excluding a very limited one.

Reactivation of herpes simplex virus type 1 in patients with Bell's palsy.

Reactivation of herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) has been implicated in the pathogenesis of idiopathic peripheral facial palsy (Bell's palsy). The present study used the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) to analyze the saliva of patients with Bell's palsy for the presence of shed HSV-1. The study involved 47 patients with Bell's palsy, 24 patients with Ramsay Hunt syndrome, and 16 healthy HSV-seropositive volunteers. HSV-1 DNA was not detected in the saliva samples from HSV-seronegative patients. The prevalence of shed HSV-1 in patients with Bell's palsy (50%) was significantly higher than that in healthy volunteers (19%, p<0.05). When saliva samples were tested within 7 days after the onset of palsy, the prevalence of shed HSV-1 in patients with Bell's palsy (40%) was significantly higher than that in patients with Ramsay Hunt syndrome (7%, p<0.05). Furthermore, HSV-1 usually became undetectable by the second week after the onset of Bell's palsy when HSV-1 was detected during the acute phase of the disease. These findings strongly suggest that reactivation of HSV-1 is involved in the pathogenesis Bell's palsy, and indicate that PCR is a useful tool for early diagnosis of HSV-1 reactivation in patients with Bell's palsy.

頭振後眼振を示した片側性ベル麻ひ例

A case of idiopathic unilateral peripheral facial palsy showing unique findings and time course of the head shaking nystagmus was reported.A 15 year-old woman complained of right facial paralysis. She was admitted to our hospital for treatment using a drip infusion of steroids. Three days after onset of the paralysis, she complained of vertigo. At that time she showed no spontaneous or positional nystagmus but manifested right beating nystagmus 5 seconds after the cessation of head shaking stimulation. Six days after onset of the vertigo, right beating nystagmus was also observed but it appeared 40 seconds after the cessation of head shaking. It is assumed that she showed only the 2nd phase of head shaking nystagmus without the 1st phase because of the long latency period. She showed a mild increase in complement fixing antibody titer to the varicella-zoster virus.The head shaking test is well known to be quite sensitive in the detection of unilateral vestibular disorders. Since the 1st phase of head shaking nystagmus is due to velocity storage, any process that interferes with velocity storage can alter the pattern of nystagmus. When velocity storage is very poor, the 1st phase of head shaking nystagmus may be brief or absent. Thus, it is assumed that the patient in the present report had a lesion in the central vestibular system, presumably in the velocity storage mechanism due to varicella-zoster virus infection.