Increased odds ratio for Bell’s palsy following COVID -19 infection or vaccination in a large Health Center

Abstract

Objective: Bell’s palsy is a paralysis of the facial muscles on one side of the face caused by a viral infection. Studies have indicated an increase of Bell’s palsy following infection or vaccination for COVID-19. The study examined the association of these variables with Bell’s palsy in a large hospital cohort. Materials and Methods: Using the deidentified data i2b2 of subjects visiting the University of Florida during October 2015- October 2022 we have identified subjects with an ICD-10 diagnoses of COVID -19, Bell’s palsy and vaccination for COVID-19. Results: From a total population of 1314924, 38005 had a history of COVID-19, 2072 had a diagnosis of Bell’s palsy, 112 both Bell’s Palsy and COVID-19 and 196279 were vaccinated. Diagnosis of COVID-19 was associated with increased risk for Bell’s palsy (odds ratio 1.87, 95% CI 1.54 -2.26 p<0.0001). COVID -19 vaccination was associated with increased risk for Bell’s palsy at odds ratio1.98 (95%CI 1.79-2.18, p<0.0001). COVID -19 infection or vaccination were associated with an increased risk for Bell’s palsy. Conclusions:Although causality cannot be attributed to cross sectional studies, these findings may indicate that exposure to the viral antigen may be related to the neurological sequalae of COVID- 19. Clinical Relevance: The Dental professionals should be aware of Bell’s palsy and the potential link of the appearance of Bell’s palsy post COVID-19 infection or vaccination