Acute "idiopathic" peripheral facial palsy: clinical, serological, and cerebrospinal fluid findings and effects of corticosteroids.
BACKGROUND
The causes for peripheral facial palsy remain obscure in many patients. Evidence exists suggesting viruses, especially those belonging to the herpesvirus group, may be causative. This study was developed to evaluate this theory.


METHODS
One hundred forty-seven patients with acute peripheral facial palsy of primarily unknown origin were studied. All were examined within 1 week of onset. Subsequent follow-up was undertaken until the palsy had recovered or become static. Paried cerebral spinal fluid and serum samples were obtained for serological evaluation to detect herpes simplex, varicella zoster, cytomegalovirus, measles, mumps, rubella, tick-borne encephalitis, adenovirus, Epstein-Barr virus, and human immunodeficiency virus, as well as the antibodies to Borrelia burgdorferi.


RESULTS
Elevated antibiotic titers to Borrelia burgdorferi were observed in 11% of patients, whereas 9% of patients demonstrated elevated viral titers. Antibody pattern consistent with Epstein-Barr virus reactivation was present in 13%. A total of 67% were classified as idiopathic.


CONCLUSIONS
Patients with reactivated Epstein-Barr virus were characterized by having a higher incidence of auricular pain and displayed diabetes mellitus in a higher frequency than in other groups. In the Borrelia group, neck/back pain was more common. Healing was less favorable in the Borrelia group despite an equal rate of palsy at onset and adequate antibiotic treatment. Corticosteroid treatment used in 44% of the patients did not significantly improve the functional outcome.
Department of Oto-Rhino-Laryngology, Linköping University, Stockholm, Sweden.
D
D
Hydén
M
M
Roberg
P
P
Forsberg
E
E
Fridell
A
A
Frydén
A
A
Linde
L
L
Odkvist
D000208:Acute Disease; D000293:Adolescent; D000305:Adrenal Cortex Hormones / Q000627:therapeutic use; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D002648:Child; D005158:Facial Paralysis / Q000097:blood / Q000134:cerebrospinal fluid / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000209:etiology*; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006566:Herpesviridae Infections / Q000097:blood / Q000134:cerebrospinal fluid / Q000150:complications*; D004854:Herpesvirus 4, Human; D006801:Humans; D008193:Lyme Disease / Q000097:blood / Q000134:cerebrospinal fluid / Q000150:complications*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009069:Movement Disorders / Q000209:etiology; D010146:Pain / Q000209:etiology; D012621:Seasons; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D000305:Adrenal Cortex Hormones