Evidence for facial nerve palsy and SARS-CoV-2

Abstract

Introduction. The World Health Organization (WHO) has recognized a new strain of coronavirus, the Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), called Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19). The mildest and most common symptoms include fever, fatigue and cough; however, more severe cases of the disease can cause breathing difficulties, kidney and heart failure and, eventually, death. However, an increasing number of reports of neurological manifestations have emerged. Objective. Provide a comprehensive review of the neurological manifestations of SARS-CoV-2 and especially the relationship between acute facial nerve palsy and COVID-19, as well as their results in mortality and the implications that this has in clinical practice. Method. The search in seven databases (PubMed, Cochrane Library, Lilacs, Scielo, Web of Science, Scopus and Google Scholar) was carried out by two independent reviewers in search of evidence of Facial Nerve Palsy (VII) and SARS-CoV-2 . After screening, data were collected and discussed. Results. Idiopathic facial palsy is called Bell's palsy and studies have shown that facial palsy increased during the COVID-19 pandemic period. There are many reports on the relationship between COVID-19 and facial paralysis, but little real evidence of their relationship. Conclusion. It is still questionable whether these neuroimmune disorders occur directly from viral infection or as autoimmune sequelae. The pathogenesis of the disease behind this manifestation is not yet fully understood. We believe that more research should be carried out to clarify the association raised by this study.