Unilateral facial palsy in Guillain-Barre syndrome (GBS): a rare occurrence

BMJ Case Rep. 2012 Oct 19:2012:bcr2012007077. doi: 10.1136/bcr-2012-007077.

Abstract

Guillain-Barre syndrome (GBS) is a postinfectious, autoimmune disorder which, apart from limb weakness, is characterised by cranial nerve involvement. Bilateral facial nerve palsy is the most common pattern of cranial nerve involvement in GBS. However, unilateral facial palsy, although uncommon, can be seen in GBS. We report a rare case of unilateral facial palsy in GBS and importance of electrophysiological tests including blink study in such cases has been emphasised.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Blinking
  • Electrophysiological Phenomena
  • Facial Nerve / pathology*
  • Facial Nerve Diseases / etiology*
  • Facial Nerve Diseases / pathology
  • Facial Paralysis / etiology*
  • Guillain-Barre Syndrome / pathology*
  • Humans
  • Male