A case of facial nerve palsy in a pediatric patient associated with Covid-19

Ital J Pediatr. 2022 May 16;48(1):75. doi: 10.1186/s13052-022-01263-0.

Abstract

Background: Pediatric facial nerve palsy is acute and mostly idiopathic; other causes are post-infectious forms.

Case presentation: We describe a rare case of facial nerve palsy associated with COVID-19 in a 5-year-old boy. The diagnosis of post-infectious COVID-19-related facial paralysis was made by serology positivity for a previous infection (IgG positive, IgM and IgA weakly positive), in the presence of a negative molecular nasopharyngeal swab and in the absence of other etiologies. Early treatment with steroids (1 mg/day for 7 days followed by tapering) and supportive care solved the problem.

Conclusion: In a child with facial paralysis, COVID-19 must be considered as the cause and both nasopharyngeal swab and serology must be performed.

Keywords: COVID-19 infection; Facial nerve palsy; Neurologic manifestation.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Bell Palsy* / complications
  • Bell Palsy* / diagnosis
  • Bell Palsy* / therapy
  • COVID-19* / complications
  • Child
  • Child, Preschool
  • Facial Nerve
  • Facial Paralysis* / diagnosis
  • Facial Paralysis* / drug therapy
  • Facial Paralysis* / etiology
  • Humans
  • Male