Right Hemifacial Paralysis in a 6-Year-Old Boy: An Overlooked Case Report of Bell’s Palsy in Children

Abstract

This study focuses on a case of Bell's Palsy in a 6-year-old boy. Bell's Palsy is the most common type of facial nerve paralysis in children. The causes can be either congenital factors (traumatic malformations, symptomatic, non-syndromic, or hereditary conditions) or acquired factors (infections, inflammations, neoplastic, or traumatic factors). Bell's Palsy is commonly caused by viral infections, especially the herpes simplex virus. In this case, a child experienced rapid-onset right hemifacial paralysis, and he had no history of trauma or other systemic symptoms. A diagnosis of Bell's Palsy was made, and the child received treatment with corticosteroids and a rehabilitation program. The results of this study indicate that treatment with methylprednisolone for 3 days and a rehabilitation program involving relaxation exercises and massages to reduce muscle stiffness yielded a good response. Proper clinical observation and evaluation are crucial in diagnosing Bell's Palsy in children. A multidisciplinary approach through collaboration between pediatricians and physiotherapists plays a significant role in managing such cases. Good follow-up is necessary to reduce the risk of prolonged facial nerve paralysis in the future.