Download PDF
Neuropediatrics 2000; 31(6): 318-320
DOI: 10.1055/s-2000-12948
Short Communication

Georg Thieme Verlag Stuttgart · New York

Recurrent Alternating Facial Paralysis and Malignant Hypertension

M. M. Harms1 , J. J. Rotteveel1 , N. C. A. J. v. d. Kar2 , F. J. M. Gabreëls1
  • 1 Departments of Pediatric Neurology, University Hospital, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
  • 2 Department of Pediatric Nephrology, University Hospital Nijmegen, The Netherlands
Further Information

Publication History

Publication Date:
31 December 2000 (online)

Also available at
    Permissions and Reprints

A previously healthy 11-year old girl with three episodes of alternating facial palsy is described. On examination during the third relapse a severe essential hypertension was diagnosed, accompanied by abnormalities on cerebral imaging, cardiac and fundoscopic investigations. Antihypertensive treatment normalized the hypertension. No relapse of the facial palsy occurred since. The objective of this communication is to draw the attention to hypertension as a possible cause of recurrent facial paralysis in children, to stress the importance of measuring the blood pressure and taking a thorough family history in every patient presenting with facial palsy.

Key words

Recurrent facial paralysis - Familial hypertension - Hypertensive encephalopathy

References

  • 1 Auer L M. The pathogenesis of hypertensive encephalopathy.  Acta Neurochir. 1978;  27 1-111
    PubMedSearch in Google Scholar
  • 2 Crego F, Galindo J, Quesada P, Naches S, Pinas J, Vila J, Pollan C, Raguer N. Recurrent peripheral facial paralysis.  Acta Otorrinolaringol Esp. 1998;  49 280-282
    PubMedSearch in Google Scholar
  • 3 Fenichel G M. Clinical Pediatric Neurology: A Signs and Symptoms Approach. 3rd ed. Philadelphia; W. B. Saunder 1997: 345-353
    Search in Google Scholar
  • 4 Griffith J Q. Involvement of the facial nerve in malignant hypertension.  Arch Neurol Psychol. 1933;  29 1195-1202
    PubMedSearch in Google Scholar
  • 5 Hauser R A, Lacey D M, Knight M R. Hypertensive encephalopathy: Magnetic resonance imaging demonstration of reversible cortical and white matter lesions.  Arch Neurol. 1988;  45 1078-1083
    PubMedSearch in Google Scholar
  • 6 Inamura H, Aoyagi M, Tojima H, Kohsyu H, Koike Y. Facial nerve palsy in children: clinical aspects of diagnosis and treatment.  Acta Otolaryngol. 1994;  511 (Suppl) 150-152
    PubMedSearch in Google Scholar
  • 7 Lloyd A VC, Jewitt D E, Lloyd Still J D. Facial paralysis in children with hypertension.  Arch Dis Childh. 1966;  41 292-294
    PubMedSearch in Google Scholar
  • 8 Mamoli B, Neumann H, Ehrmann L. Recurrent Bell's palsy. Etiology, frequency, prognosis.  J Neurol. 1977;  216 119-125
    PubMedSearch in Google Scholar
  • 9 Merwarth H R. The occurrence of peripheral facial paralysis in hypertensive vascular disease.  Ann Intern Med. 1942;  17 298-307
    PubMedSearch in Google Scholar
  • 10 Moxon W. Apoplexy into canal of fallopius in a case of Bright's disease, causing facial paralysis.  Trans Pathol Soc Lond. 1869;  20 420-422
    PubMedSearch in Google Scholar
  • 11 Paine R S. Facial paralysis in children: review of the differential diagnosis and report of ten cases treated with cortisone.  Pediatrics. 1957;  19 303-316
    PubMedSearch in Google Scholar
  • 12 Siegler R L, Brewer E D, Corneli H M, Thompson J A. Hypertension first seen as facial paralysis: case reports and review of the literature.  Pediatrics. 1991;  87 387-389
    PubMedSearch in Google Scholar
  • 13 Trompeter R S, Smith R L, Hoare R D, Neville B GR, Chantler C. Neurological complications of arterial hypertension.  Arch Dis Child. 1982;  57 913-917
    PubMedSearch in Google Scholar
  • 14 Voorhees R L, Zeitzer L D, Ross M. Hypertension and associated peripheral facial paralysis.  Laryngoscope. 1972;  82 899-902
    PubMedSearch in Google Scholar

Dr. J. J. Rotteveel

Department of Pediatric Neurology (IKNC)
University Hospital Nijmegen

P. O. Box 9101

6500 HB Nijmegen

The Netherlands

Email: j.rotteveel@cksiknc.azn.nl