Bilateral facial nerve paralysis as initial manifestation of guillain-barré syndrome: a case report

Abstract

Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS) is a heterogeneous group of related neurological disorders that affect the peripheral nerves. Generally, it occurs after an acute infection that favors the occurrence of an autoimmune response against the myelin gangliosides molecules of the peripheral nerve. Bilateral peripheral facial nerve paralysis is a rare neurological symptom (0.3%-2% of cases) and may be due to multiple etiologies; among which GBS emerge. The case of a 39 years old patient who consulted by bilateral facial nerve paralysis associated with progressive motor impairment and dysautonomia, is presented. Studies documented GBS. Subsequently, the patient presents successful improvement of his symptoms after intravenous immunoglobulin use and is discharged from the hospital. Bilateral peripheral facial palsy is a rare neurological condition that can be associated with Guillain-Barre syndrome. It is necessary to make the differential diagnosis with other clinical entities presenting with bilateral facial palsy. Intravenous inmunoglbulin should be initiated early to increase the probability of recovery. The prognosis is good in most cases.