Isolated Facial Diplegia: A Rare Presentation of Guillain-Barré Syndrome.
Cureus 2023;
15:e51126. [PMID:
38274912 PMCID:
PMC10810553 DOI:
10.7759/cureus.51126]
[Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 12/26/2023] [Indexed: 01/27/2024] Open
Abstract
Guillain-Barré syndrome is an autoimmune condition typically characterized by progressive areflexic ascending motor deficit and paresthesia. However, atypical presentations, such as isolated facial diplegia, are rare and diagnostically challenging. We describe a unique case of Guillain-Barré syndrome in a 46-year-old male patient, presenting as isolated bilateral facial paralysis without preceding medical history. Symptoms included tongue heaviness, loss of taste, dysarthria, and inability to close eyelids. A neurological examination confirmed bilateral facial paralysis. Laboratory tests and cerebrospinal fluid analyses were unremarkable, except for albumin-cytological dissociation. Electromyography revealed severe demyelinating damage to facial nerves. The patient responded well to intravenous immunoglobulin therapy. This case highlights the necessity of considering Guillain-Barré syndrome in patients with isolated facial diplegia. A thorough clinical evaluation, supported by laboratory and electromyographic findings, is crucial for accurate diagnosis and effective treatment. Early identification and intervention are key for optimal outcomes in these atypical presentations.
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