Bilateral Facial Palsy: Post Vivax Malaria Scenario

Abstract

Malaria can cause severe complications, sometimes affecting central nervous system. Cranial nerve palsies are rare after malaria. Plasmodium vivax malaria, often thought to be a benign disease can sometime lead to severe complications. We report a case of lower motor neuron palsy after plasmodium vivax malaria. KEYWORDSFacial Palsy, Vivax Malaria. HOW TO CITE THIS ARTICLE: INTRODUCTIONMalaria is a common health problem in tropical countries like India. Of the four plasmodium species causing malaria in humans, P. vivax is the most widespread. P. vivax malaria in India is more prevalent than plasmodium falciparum. 1 In India P. vivax and P. falciparum accounts for about 60-65% and 35% cases respectively. 2 P. vivax is often thought to be benign infection; however, it may sometime result in severe complications affecting different organs. 3 Commonly reported severe complications of P. vivax malaria include haematological problems, such as anaemia and thrombocytopenia, liver or kidney dysfunction, lung related complications, hypoglycaemia, shock and cerebral malaria. 2,3 We report here an unusual case of bilateral lower motor neuron palsy after P. vivax malaria.