Burgess R C, Michaels L, Bale J F, Smith R J
Dept of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics, Iowa City, IA 52242.
Ann Otol Rhinol Laryngol. 1994 Oct;103(10):775-9. doi: 10.1177/000348949410301006.
Bell's palsy is the most common cause of facial paralysis. In this study, we demonstrate the presence of herpes simplex viral type 1 (HSV-1) genomic DNA in the geniculate ganglion of a patient who had Bell's palsy. This association suggests that in this patient, HSV-1 may have caused Bell's palsy. If HSV-1 is a cause of Bell's palsy, treatment with acyclovir may be beneficial. Additional studies should be done to establish the prevalence of HSV-1 as an etiologic agent of Bell's palsy.
