Immunological Concept for Bell's Palsy

Abstract

This report concerns itself with additional experimental evidence to support the immunologic concept for the pathogenesis of Bell's palsy, using the mast cell as an index of immunological activity. In a previous experimental study, we postulated that degranulation of mast cells activated by complement or specific allergens with release of histamine and other substances may be the mechanism leading to nerve edema, ischemia, and paralysis. In this study we observed a loss of granulated mast cells in the more severely damaged facial nerves of immunized dogs after the intrafallopian canal injection of various substances, in contrast with the relative abundance of these cells in nerves that showed little or no evidence of injury. In addition, we demonstrated that cromolyn sodium, a mast cell degranulation inhibitor, when infused intravenously at the time of the intrafacial canal injection of horse serum, very effectively lessened the degree of experimental paralysis and histologic nerve injury.

Increased Mean Platelet Volume in Patients with Bell’s Palsy

“…The etiology of BP is still uncertain and has been implicated in some theoretical pathways, such as viral infections [14][15][16] , immune-mediated disease [17][18][19] , and microcirculatory failure of the vasa nervosum [20][21][22][23][24] . According to our knowledge, MPV and PDW values in patients with BP have not been assessed previously.…”

No Significant Association between HLA and Bell's Palsy

“…The sex distribution did not deviate from previous studies (Vinken & Bruyn 1970). The etiology of Bell's palsy is unknown, although various theories have been put forward (Brackmann 1974, McGovern et al 1977 and only a minor proportion has been classified as virus-induced (Berg et al 1976, Mair & Flugsrud 1976. The lack of an association between HLA and idiopathic facial palsy reported in this study does not exclude a correlation, since the possibility exists that the disease is comprised of various etiologically different subgroups, some or all being associated with different antigens.…”

Wegener’s Granulomatosis with Otological Disorders as Primary Symptoms

“…Suggested causes include granu loma pressing on the acoustic nerve [2,8], vasculitis of the cochlear vessels [14], dispo sition of immune complexes in the cochlea [12] or involvement of the vessels of the endolymphatic sac [11], Facial Palsy. Facial palsy may respond to immunosuppressive treatment [3], Experi mental studies on dogs suggest that facial palsy may be caused by a localized immuno logic or hypersensitivity reaction [15].…”