Bilateral facial paralysis: case presentation and discussion of differential diagnosis

J Gen Intern Med. 2006 Jul;21(7):C7-10. doi: 10.1111/j.1525-1497.2006.00466.x.

Abstract

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 types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Bell Palsy
  • Biopsy
  • Brain / diagnostic imaging
  • Facial Paralysis / etiology*
  • Female
  • Functional Laterality
  • Humans
  • Lymph Nodes / pathology
  • Methylprednisolone / therapeutic use
  • Radiography, Thoracic
  • Sarcoidosis, Pulmonary / diagnosis*
  • Sarcoidosis, Pulmonary / diagnostic imaging
  • Sarcoidosis, Pulmonary / drug therapy*
  • Sarcoidosis, Pulmonary / pathology
  • Tomography, X-Ray Computed
  • Treatment Outcome

Substances

  • Methylprednisolone