CASE REPORT OF BELL’S PALSY FOLLOWING SECOND DOSE OF COVISHIELD VACCINE

Abstract

Bell’s palsy, also known as acute peripheral facial palsy of unidentified reason, is caused by the acute onset of problems with the facial nerve’s lower motor neuron. Several case reports and series have described peripheral facial nerve palsy associated with COVID-19. In addition, since the US food and drug administration’s (FDA) emergency use authorization of several COVID-19 vaccines, there have been media reports of Bell’s palsy associated with vaccination. This case concerns a 26-year-old female with Bell’s palsy (confirmed by clinical diagnosis – an acute unilateral facial nerve paresis or paralysis with onset in >72 h) after receiving second dose of Covishield vaccine (ChAdOx1 nCoV-19). She experienced decreased sleep, dizziness, and left side eye watering post-vaccination. Next day after vaccination, she noticed muscle weakness on the left side of the face, preventing her from close left eye, drinking fluids, and facial droop accompanied by reduced mobility. The patient was treated with methylprednisolone and eye drops (lubricants).