CASE REPORTS: Bilateral Facial Paralysis: Case Presentation and Discussion of Differential Diagnosis

Bilateral facial paralysis is a rare condition and therefore represents a diagnostic challenge. We report the case of a 34-year-old healthy woman with sequential bilateral facial paralysis as a sole manifestation of sarcoidosis. She initially presented with an isolated left sided Bell's palsy w...

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Veröffentlicht in:Journal of general internal medicine : JGIM 2006-07, Vol.21 (7), p.796
Hauptverfasser: Jafri, Hasan S, Sofianos, Christopher, Hattab, Eyas M, Overhiser, Andrew J, Chiorean, Michael
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Sprache:eng
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Zusammenfassung:Bilateral facial paralysis is a rare condition and therefore represents a diagnostic challenge. We report the case of a 34-year-old healthy woman with sequential bilateral facial paralysis as a sole manifestation of sarcoidosis. She initially presented with an isolated left sided Bell's palsy without any symptoms to suggest alternative diagnoses. Within a month there was progression to peripheral facial paresis on the contra lateral side, prompting a diagnosis of Lyme disease. Her physical examination and chest x-ray did not reveal any clinical evidence of sarcoidosis. After failing to respond to an empiric trial of intravenous ceftriaxone for a presumptive diagnosis of Lyme disease, computed tomography scan of the chest was ordered which demonstrated bilateral hilar lymphadenopathy. Bronchoscopic biopsy confirmed a diagnosis of sarcoidosis. The patient then made a complete recovery on steroid therapy. We discuss the differential diagnosis of facial diplegia and focus on the clinical presentation, diagnosis and treatment of neurosarcoidosis.[PUBLICATION ABSTRACT]
ISSN:0884-8734
1525-1497
DOI:10.1111/j.1525-1497.2006.00414_1.x