Not only this time has Bell’s palsy been linked to Covid-19.
JAKARTA – Bell’s palsy, a condition of facial paralysis, has been reported as a complication that occurs in four of the approximately 19,000 volunteers in the trial. the Covid-19 vaccine Pfizer in the United States. The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has granted emergency use of the Pfizer vaccine, but there are allergic reaction warnings to note.
Meanwhile in the UK, an allergic reaction warning for use the Pfizer vaccine issued within 24 hours after the vaccination launch. It happened after four National Health Service (NHS) staff developed allergy symptoms after being given the vaccine.
However, this is not the first time that Bell’s Palsy has been linked to Covid-19. Last November, facial paralysis was also reported to be a common symptom of Covid-19, even in pregnant women. Then what is Bell’s Palsy?
As reported Times Now News, Bell’s palsy is paralysis of the facial nerve. In this condition, the muscles in the face experience temporary weakness or paralysis. This usually occurs when the nerves that control the facial muscles are inflamed, swollen, or compressed, which can cause one side of the face to droop or become stiff.
According to reports, cases of facial nerve palsy are becoming increasingly common among Covid-19 patients. Patients who don’t even have a confirmed Covid-19 diagnosis report the problem. This suggests that even asymptomatic Covid-19 patients can suffer from these complications.
Two studies conducted in Liverpool, England and Japan found that SARS-CoV-2 may be responsible for an increase in the number of facial paralysis. The study also says that doctors should be aware that this may be an early presentation of disease.
According to research published in BMJ, a case of pregnancy diagnosed with Covid-19 was obtained after a pregnant woman was hospitalized for contractions. However, doctors noted that his left periphery was experiencing paralysis of the facial nerve. Because he did not have a clear reason why this could happen, the doctors did a Covid-19 test and it turned out that he was positive.
“Acute facial nerve disease which causes peripheral facial paralysis is generally associated with viral infections. Covid-19 could be a potential cause of peripheral facial paralysis and neurological symptoms could be the first and only manifestation of the disease, ”the BMJ reports.
Since Covid-19 has been linked to neurological symptoms, it is very likely that even Bell’s Palsy could be triggered by the same cause.
Source: Republic
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