Rehabilitation of peripheral facial palsy associated with COVID-19 in a child: A case report

COVID-19 has been associated with multiple neurological manifestations. Coronaviruses are known to have a neurotropic propensity, possibly leading to various neurological complications, including peripheral facial paralysis (PFP). However, the pathogenic mechanisms underlying neurological symptoms i...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Annals of physical and rehabilitation medicine 2022-01, Vol.65 (1), p.101600-101600, Article 101600
Main Authors: Ferreira, Eduardo Freitas, Portugal, Diogo, Silva, Nuno, Peixoto, Catarina, Matos, Catarina, Pereira, Isabel, Prates, Leonor
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Bell Palsy
Bell's palsy
Child
Coronavirus
COVID-19
Facial palsy
Facial Paralysis - etiology
Humans
Letter to the Editor
Paediatric
Rehabilitation
SARS-CoV-2
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Summary:COVID-19 has been associated with multiple neurological manifestations. Coronaviruses are known to have a neurotropic propensity, possibly leading to various neurological complications, including peripheral facial paralysis (PFP). However, the pathogenic mechanisms underlying neurological symptoms in COVID-19 are not completely understood. This report presents the first published case of facial palsy in an otherwise healthy child secondary to infection with the novel coronavirus SARS-Cov-2, with reflections on the natural course and the role of physical and rehabilitation medicine in this form of PFP. Thus, PFP may also be a manifestation of COVID-19 and in the current epidemiological context, physicians evaluating patients with facial palsy should exclude infection with SARS-Cov-2 to prevent diagnostic delays and further transmission of the disease. These patients may have a slower recovery and worse prognosis as compared with those with Bell's palsy. Thus, rehabilitation needs to be initiated promptly, and close follow-up must be assured to identify and address early complications.
ISSN:1877-0657
1877-0665
DOI:10.1016/j.rehab.2021.101600