Journal article
Examining the relationship between COVID-19 and Bell's palsy: Experience of a single tertiary care center
American journal of otolaryngology, v 44(6), 103987
01 Nov 2023
PMID: 37579600
Featured in Collection : UN Sustainable Development Goals @ Drexel
Abstract
While the etiology of Bell's palsy (BP) is largely unknown, current evidence shows it may occur secondary to the immune response following a viral infection. Recently, BP has been reported as a clinical manifestation of coronavirus disease (COVID-19).
To investigate an association between COVID-19 infection and BP. Additionally, to evaluate the need for COVID-19 testing in patients who present with BP.
Hospital records of patients who presented to a single tertiary care center with BP in 2020 and 2021 were reviewed for presenting symptoms, demographics, COVID-19 infection and vaccination status.
There was no statistically significant difference between patients with BP who had a positive or negative COVID test in terms of sex, BMI, age, race, smoking history or alcohol use. All 7 patients with BP and a positive COVID test were unvaccinated. Of the total cohort of 94 patients, 82 % were unvaccinated at the time of the study. None of the 17 patients who were vaccinated had a positive COVID test. A history of BP showed no statistical significance (10.3 % vs 14.3 %, p-value 0.73).
We discovered a limited cohort of patients who underwent COVID-19 testing at the time of presentation for BP. Though there have been recent studies suggesting a COVID-19 and BP, we were unable to clearly identify a relationship between COVID-19 and BP. Interestingly, all patients with facial paralysis and COVID-19 were unvaccinated. To further study this relationship, we recommend consideration of a COVID-19 test for any patient that presents with facial paralysis.
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Details
- Title
- Examining the relationship between COVID-19 and Bell's palsy: Experience of a single tertiary care center
- Creators
- Hira Qureshi - University SchoolDivya Balchander - Drexel University School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, USAClaudia I. Cabrera - University SchoolEve Tranchito - University Hospitals of ClevelandAmanda Goslawski - University Hospitals of ClevelandDerek Vos - Case Western Reserve UniversityBenjamin Johnson - University Hospitals of ClevelandNicole Fowler - University Hospitals of ClevelandAkina Tamaki - University Hospitals of ClevelandCyrus C. Rabbani - University Hospitals of Cleveland
- Publication Details
- American journal of otolaryngology, v 44(6), 103987
- Publisher
- Elsevier
- Resource Type
- Journal article
- Language
- English
- Academic Unit
- College of Medicine
- Web of Science ID
- WOS:001070235100001
- Scopus ID
- 2-s2.0-85167801638
- Other Identifier
- 991021861174604721
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- Collaboration types
- Domestic collaboration
- Web of Science research areas
- Otorhinolaryngology