Aung Thwin Oo
Blackpool Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust, United KingdomPresentation Title:
Infectious mimics of Bell's Palsy- Facial Nerve Palsy due to Lyme Neuroborreliosis
Abstract
Bell’s palsy is defined as an idiopathic cause of Facial Nerve Palsy (FNP). However, the diagnosis should only be made after excluding alternative causes by performing thorough investigations. We report a case of Lyme NeuroBorreliosis (LNB) presenting as progressive facial palsy. A 47-year-old man presented with right-sided facial weakness two weeks after returning from Greece. He reported no other neurological deficits, erythema migrans, fever, headache, arthralgia, or insect bites, and had not travelled to rural areas. Routine investigations, including full blood count, renal and liver function, thyroid profile, glycated haemoglobin, and computed tomography of the head, were unremarkable. He was treated with oral prednisolone under the impression of Bell’s palsy. Ten days later, he re-presented with worsening bilateral facial weakness over five days. At this stage, extensive investigations were conducted. Viral and serological screening for Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV), hepatitis B, hepatitis C, herpes simplex virus, varicella zoster virus, and enterovirus were negative. Autoimmune screening was also negative. Magnetic resonance imaging of the brain with contrast revealed no abnormal enhancement or lesions. Lyme serology was conducted, which was ten days after symptom onset. The initial Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA) was positive, and subsequent Western blot confirmed the diagnosis. While awaiting results, we performed a lumbar puncture to exclude other neurological infections. Cerebrospinal Fluid (CSF) analysis showed lymphocytic pleocytosis, elevated protein, and normal glucose. CSF immunoblot revealed intrathecal Borrelia-specific antibody production, consistent with LNB. The patient was started on intravenous ceftriaxone 2 g daily according to guidelines. He showed gradual improvement in FNP from House-Brackmann Grade V to Grade II on follow-up. LNB presenting with progressive FNP can be diagnostically challenging, particularly without classical Lyme features. This case highlights the importance of considering neuroborreliosis in FNP, regardless of tick exposure, as early recognition facilitates prompt treatment and prevents long-term complications.
Biography
Aung Thwin Oo graduated with an M.B.,B.S. degree from the University of Medicine, Myanmar, and is currently working as a resident doctor in the General Medical Ward at Blackpool Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust.
