*Correspondence: kita_krieger@hotmail.com.
Abstract
Case Presentation: S.B.V.M., female, 2 years and 6 months old, white, attended the Pediatric Emergency
Room, with a history of cough, runny nose and intermittent febrile episodes, of a
prolonged nature and oscillation of clinical improvement, for about 30 days, evolving
with facial paralysis peripheral. Upon admission, he presented with left facial paralysis
and ipsilateral palpebral ptosis. Patient with a history of prematurity did not undergo
routine follow-up. He had a head circumference of 50.5 cm (score 97), megalencephaly,
questioning other associated causes. Cranial Computed Tomography showed dilatation
of the supra and infratentorial ventricular system, the etiology of which remains
to be clarified. Type 1 blood and urine laboratory tests showed leukocytosis and associated
bacteriuria. After being medicated with prednisone 1mg/kg/day and ceftriaxone 100mg/kg/day,
the patient had improvement of symptoms, with complete regression of paralysis and
without other types of complications, not requiring a hydrocephalus approach.
Discussion: Peripheral Facial Palsy or Bell's is a disease clinically characterized by the involvement
of the 7th cranial nerve, acutely, relating to pain complaints such as in the mastoid
region and resulting in complete or partial paralysis of facial movements. It can
be triggered by several causes, from viral infections as well as developing idiopathically.
The diagnosis is made by the clinic and may make use of complementary tests such as
computed tomography and nuclear magnetic resonance. Study carried out with the objective
of reporting a case of Bell's Palsy, caused by the viral form, is increasingly relevant
in pediatric observations, as it is uncommon in the age group described. In this work,
radiological study, direct contact with the patient and medical record review were
carried out.
Final Comments: Bell's Palsy is a rare syndrome in children, mainly under 10 years of age and its
diagnosis has important therapeutic implications and good prognosis, due to the reversibility
of the lesions with adequate and timely treatment. On the other hand, if not treated
correctly, it can evolve with complications and/or sequelae. In the case of the patient
in this report, it was possible to detect clinical signs early, reversing the lesions,
with a favorable outcome of the condition through rapid control of the evolution of
facial paralysis.
