Potential association between recurrent facial nerve palsy and migraines

Abstract

Objective This study aimed to investigate the possible association between recurrent facial nerve palsy and migraines. Method This study was a prospective case series with a two-year follow-up at an academic, tertiary referral centre and included patients with at least four episodes of recurrent lower motor neuron facial nerve palsy. All patients underwent standardised diagnostic tests. Results Four patients fulfilled the inclusion criteria. The patients were all female with an average age at presentation of 40.75 years (range, 33–60 years) and an average age at the initial episode of 14 years (range, 12–16 years). The number of episodes varied between six and nine. All patients had at least one episode of facial nerve palsy on the contralateral side. Two patients were diagnosed and treated for migraine with aura remaining asymptomatic following prophylactic medication for migraines. Conclusion The results raise the possibility of an association between recurrent facial nerve palsy and migraines. Prospective studies in patients with even fewer episodes of facial nerve palsy could shed more light on this association.

Razonamiento Clínico: Mujer de 38 Años de Edad en Puerperio Alejado con Debilidad Muscular en Hemicara Derecha

“…7,9,[12][13][14][15][16] De otros factores se resume que no hay diferencia entre sexos, excepto en población menor de 18 años donde hay un ligero predominio en mujeres, otros ya más establecidos como la obesidad, hipertensión y trastornos hipertensivos en el embarazo, Diabetes y; otros en estudio como, la migraña. 5,17 Al inicio del caso se llegó a pensar como posible factor la anestesia durante la cesárea, pero no se encontró diferencias significativas entre su aplicación o no, en la frecuencia de la PB. 18,19 Tratamiento general y tratamiento en poblaciones especiales.…”

A systematic review and meta-analysis of prophylactic medication of vestibular migraine

“…6 In particular, the trigeminal-cervical complex can provide sufficient explanation for the wide variety of pain distribution in migraine as well as the involvement of other cranial nerves and nuclei. 12,13 The proximity and connections of the trigeminal nerve to certain structures and cranial nerves provides sufficient explanation of symptoms related to temporary dysfunction of such nerves. 12,13 Diagnosis relies on the clinical history and the exclusion of other causes of dizziness, such as Ménière's disease or benign paroxysmal positional vertigo, because outside of an acute attack, neuro-otological examination is either inconclusive or normal.…”

“…12,13 The proximity and connections of the trigeminal nerve to certain structures and cranial nerves provides sufficient explanation of symptoms related to temporary dysfunction of such nerves. 12,13 Diagnosis relies on the clinical history and the exclusion of other causes of dizziness, such as Ménière's disease or benign paroxysmal positional vertigo, because outside of an acute attack, neuro-otological examination is either inconclusive or normal. 14,15 At present, the definition of vestibular migraine is based on the diagnostic criteria outlined by the Bárány Society and the International Headache Society.…”

“…6 In particular, the trigeminal-cervical complex can provide sufficient explanation for the wide variety of pain distribution in migraine as well as the involvement of other cranial nerves and nuclei. 12,13 The proximity and connections of the trigeminal nerve to certain structures and cranial nerves provides sufficient explanation of symptoms related to temporary dysfunction of such nerves. 12,13…”

“…12,13 The proximity and connections of the trigeminal nerve to certain structures and cranial nerves provides sufficient explanation of symptoms related to temporary dysfunction of such nerves. 12,13…”