Recurrent peripheral facial nerve palsy

Abstract

Background: Melkersson-Rosenthal syndrome is a rare disorder that is characterized, in its full form, by recurrent facial nerve palsy, fissured tongue, and oro-facial edema. Most cases present as oligosymptomatic or monosymptomatic forms. Its etiology is still unknown and its course is chronic and it may be progressive. Case report: We present the case of a nine-year-old girl with recurrent episodes of peripheral facial nerve palsy. During the study, lip edema, benign migratory glossitis, and angular cheilitis were observed, which is why a clinical diagnosis of Melkersson-Rosenthal syndrome was made. Conclusions: This syndrome must be considered in the differential diagnosis with the presence of acute peripheral facial nerve palsy and/or facial edema due to its behavior and progressive evolution.