Rapid Recovery From Bell's Palsy Using Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation of the Facial Nerve: A Case Report.

Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS), a non-invasive tool that uses magnetic fields to stimulate specific regions within the brain, has emerged as a versatile treatment modality in both research and clinical settings. While its utilization in psychiatry for treatment-resistant depression is well established, TMS is increasingly gaining traction for its use in diverse neurological conditions, including idiopathic facial nerve palsy, post-stroke rehabilitation, autism spectrum disorder, and hereditary ataxia. Through its ability to trigger neuronal plasticity and potentiate synaptic transmission, it is able to provide significant therapeutic potential. This paper seeks to explore and add to the rising research in treating idiopathic facial nerve palsy with the use of peripheral TMS. A 26-year-old woman with no prior history of facial palsy or related conditions presented with acute-onset left-sided facial paralysis upon awakening, following a strenuous hiking trip the previous day. Based on the modified House-Brackmann scale, she was determined to have grade V facial paralysis (severe facial weakness with barely perceptible motion). After 10 treatments over the course of two weeks, the patient's facial paralysis improved to grade III (obvious, moderate facial weakness, complete eye closure with maximal effort, and good forehead movement). At one-week post-TMS treatment, the patient reported full recovery to all facial expressions and no adverse effects were noted. This case report aims to show the effectiveness of utilizing TMS as a treatment option for idiopathic facial nerve palsy.