Recurrent Bell's palsy following ventriculoperitoneal shunt insertion: an unusual case to face

Abstract

We present the case of a 15 year old boy who developed transient lower motor neuron facial weakness on two separate occasions shortly after ventriculoperitoneal shunt insertion. Both episodes, each of which occurred on the ipsilateral side to shunt insertion, were transient, self-limiting and were managed medically with a course of oral steroids. We believe this is the first reported case of Bell’s palsy after this type of surgery in a child. Potential pathophysiological mechanisms are discussed.

Keywords:

• Ventriculoperitoneal shunt
• facial nerve
• Bell’s palsy
• hydrocephalus
• paediatric neurosurgery

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.