Serious Neurological Disorders That Mimic Bell’s Palsy: A 10-Year Experience

Abstract

Background: Unilateral peripheral facial nerve palsy may have a detectable cause (secondary facial nerve palsy) or may be idiopathic (Bell's palsy). Facial palsy is attributable to various causes ranging from mild infection to severe neurological disorders. We investigated the prevalence and types of serious neurological disorders in patients with unilateral facial palsy. Methods: We reviewed the medical records of patients with unilateral facial nerve palsy and identified patients diagnosed with facial palsy secondary to serious or life-threatening causes. We investigated the clinical characteristics, as well as electrodiagnostic and imaging findings in these patients. Results: Of 924 patients with facial palsy, 11 patients (1.2%) were diagnosed with the following serious neurological disorders: acoustic schwannoma in two patients, facial nerve schwannoma, glossopharyngeal schwannoma, meningioma, epidermoid cyst, parotid gland tumor, pontine infarct, skull base osteomyelitis, brain metastasis, and pachymeningitis. Conclusions: Although unilateral facial palsy is rarely associated with serious neurological disorders, early detection of the etiopathogenetic contributors is important for prompt initiation of optimal management. Therefore, clinicians should be mindful of disorders that can mimic Bell's palsy.