Depressive disorder and elevated risk of bell's palsy: a nationwide propensity score-weighting study.

BACKGROUND: Prior studies have reported a potential relationship between depressive disorder (DD), immune function, and inflammatory response. Some studies have also confirmed the correlation between immune and inflammatory responses and Bell's palsy. Considering that the pathophysiology of these two diseases has several similarities, this study investigates if DD raises the risk of developing Bell's palsy. METHODS: This nationwide propensity score-weighting cohort study utilized Taiwan National Health Insurance data. 44,198 patients with DD were identified as the DD cohort and 1,433,650 adult subjects without DD were identified as the comparison cohort. The inverse probability of treatment weighting (IPTW) strategy was used to balance the differences of covariates between two groups. The 5-year incidence of Bell's palsy was evaluated using the Cox proportional-hazard model, presenting results in terms of hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs). RESULTS: The average age of DD patients was 48.3 ± 17.3 years, and 61.86% were female. After propensity score-weighting strategy, no significant demographic differences emerged between the DD and comparison cohort. The Cox proportional hazards model revealed a statistically significant adjusted IPTW-HR of 1.315 (95% CI: 1.168-1.481) for Bell's palsy in DD patients compared to comparison subjects. Further independent factors for Bell's palsy in this model were age (IPTW-HR: 1.012, 95% CI: 1.010-1.013, p < 0.0001), sex (IPTW-HR: 0.909, 95% CI: 0.869-0.952, p < 0.0001), hypertension (IPTW-HR: 1.268, 95% CI: 1.186-1.355, p < 0.0001), hyperlipidemia (IPTW-HR: 1.084, 95% CI: 1.001-1.173, p = 0.047), and diabetes (IPTW-HR: 1.513, 95% CI: 1.398-1.637, p < 0.0001) CONCLUSION: This Study confirmed that individuals with DD face an elevated risk of developing Bell's palsy. These findings hold significant implications for both clinicians and researchers, shedding light on the potential interplay between mental health and the risk of certain physical health outcomes.

Adult-onset congenital cholesteatoma in the hypotympanum initially presenting as Bell's palsy: A case report.

INTRODUCTION: Cholesteatoma is a rare disease characterized by the accumulation of keratinized squamous epithelial cells in the middle ear or mastoid cavity. Vertigo and facial palsy, which are rare complications, may indicate erosion into the semicircular canals or the fallopian canal. PATIENT CONCERNS: A 40-year-old woman presented to our clinic with progressive right-sided hearing loss over 5 years (primary concern). Approximately 10 years ago, the patient had developed acute right-sided facial weakness with no additional symptoms. A neurologist at another hospital had diagnosed her condition as Bell's palsy and treated it accordingly. DIAGNOSIS: Adult-onset congenital cholesteatoma in the hypotympanum. INTERVENTION: Combined endoscopic and microscopic removal of the cholesteatoma. OUTCOMES: Physical examination revealed slight improvement in right-sided peripheral facial palsy. LESSON: Routine eardrum examination is recommended for patients presenting with isolated peripheral facial palsy. If necessary, a patient should be referred to an otologist for further evaluation and treatment.

Impact of Botulinum Toxin Injections on Quality of Life of Patients with Long-Standing Peripheral Facial Palsy.

(1) Background: Sequels of facial palsy lead to major psychosocial repercussions, disrupting patients' quality of life (QoL). Botulinum toxin (BoNT) injections can permit us to treat long-standing facial palsy, improving facial symmetry and functional signs including synkinesis and contractures. (2) Methods: The main aim of this study was to assess the evolution of the QoL for patients with long-standing facial palsy before, at 1 month, and at 4 months after BoNT injections by using three questionnaires (HFS-30, FaCE, and HAD). The other goals were to find clinical factors associated with the improvement in the QoL and to assess the HFS-30 questionnaire for patients with unilateral facial palsy (3) Results: Eighty-eight patients were included in this study. There was a statistically significant improvement in QoL at 1 month after injections, assessed using the three questionnaires. This improvement was sustained at 4 months after the injections, with a statistically significant difference for the HFS-30 and FaCE questionnaires. (4) Conclusions: This study showed that the BoNT injections lead to a significant increase in the QoL of patients with unilateral facial palsy. This improvement is sustained 4 months after the injections.

Botulinum Toxin Injections to Manage Sequelae of Peripheral Facial Palsy.

Long-standing facial palsy sequelae cause functional, aesthetic, and psychological problems in patients. Botulinum toxin is an effective way to manage them, but no standardized recommendations exist. Through this non-systematic review, we aimed to guide any practitioner willing to master the ins and outs of this activity. We reviewed the existing literature and completed, with our experience as a reference center, different strategies of botulinum toxin injections used in facial palsy patients, including history, physiopathology, facial analysis, dosages, injection sites, and techniques, as well as time intervals between injections. The reader will find all the theorical information needed to best guide injections according to the patient's complaint, which is the most important information to consider.

Translation and validation of the German version of the FACE-Q paralysis module in adult patients with unilateral peripheral facial palsy.

The aim was to develop and validate a German version of the FACE-Q paralysis module, a patient-reported outcome measure to assess health-related quality of life in adult patients with unilateral facial palsy. The FACE-Q craniofacial questionnaire, which includes the paralysis module, was translated. 213 patients with facial palsy completed the German FACE-Q paralysis along with the established FDI and FaCE questionnaires. Regression analyses were performed to examine the relationships between the different FACE-Q domains and patient and therapy characteristics. The FACE-Q scales had high internal consistency (Cronbach's alpha all > 0.6). High correlations were found between the FACE-Q and the FDI and FaCE (mean rho = 0.5), as well as within the FACE-Q (mean rho = 0.522). Unifactorial influences were found for all domains except Breathing (all p < 0.05). Multivariate independent predictors were found for some FACE-Q domains. Most influential predictors (> 8 subdomains): Patients who received physical therapy scored lower in ten subdomains than those who did not (all p < 0.05). Patients who had surgery scored lower in nine subdomains than patients without surgery (all p < 0.05). The German version of the FACE-Q Paralysis Module can now be used as a patient-reported outcome instrument in adult patients with facial nerve palsy.

Challenges in the Management of Symptomatic Fallopian Canal Meningoceles: A Multicenter Case Series and Literature Review.

OBJECTIVE: To describe the presentations, the diagnosis, our treatment approaches, and the outcomes for 11 patients with fallopian canal meningocele (FCM). STUDY DESIGN MULTICENTER: Retrospective case series. SETTING: Tertiary referral centers. PATIENTS: Patients (N = 11) with radiographically or intraoperatively identified, symptomatic FCM. INTERVENTIONS: Surgical repair of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leak and meningocele versus observation. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Presentation (including symptoms, radiographic imaging, and comorbidities), management (including surgical approach, technique for packing, use of lumbar drain), clinical outcomes (control of CSF leak, meningitis, facial nerve function), and revision surgery. RESULTS: Patients presented with spontaneous CSF leak (n = 7), conductive (N = 11) and sensorineural hearing loss (n = 3), nonpositional intermittent vertigo (n = 3), headaches (n = 4), and recurrent meningitis (n = 1). Risk factors in our series included obesity (n = 4), Chiari 1 malformation (n = 1), and head trauma (n = 2). Noncontrast computed tomography of the temporal bone and magnetic resonance imaging were positive for FCM in 10 patients. Eight patients were managed surgically via a transmastoid approach (n = 4), combined transmastoid and middle fossa (N = 3), or middle fossa alone (n = 1); three were managed conservatively with observation. Postoperative complications included worsened facial nerve palsy (n = 1), recurrent meningitis (n = 1), and persistent CSF leak that necessitated revision (n = 1). CONCLUSIONS: Facial nerve meningoceles are rare with variable presentation, often including CSF otorrhea. Management can be challenging and guided by symptomatology and comorbidities. Risk factors for FCM include obesity and head trauma, and Chiari 1 malformation may present with nonspecific otologic symptoms, in some cases, meningitis and facial palsy. Layered surgical repair leads to high rates of success; however, this may be complicated by worsening facial palsy.

Partial facial paralysis induced by sialolithiasis of the parotid gland: a case report.

BACKGROUND: Facial paralysis due to parotid sialolithiasis-induced parotitis is a unusual clinical phenomenon that has not been reported in prior literature. This scenario can present a diagnostic challenge due to its rarity and complex symptomatology, particularly if a patient has other potential contributing factors such as facial trauma or bilateral forehead botox injections as in this patient. This case report elucidates such a complex presentation, aiming to increase awareness and promote timely recognition among clinicians. CASE PRESENTATION: A 56-year-old male, with a medical history significant for hyperlipidemia, recurrent parotitis secondary to parotid sialolithiasis, and recent bilateral forehead cosmetic Botox injections presented to the emergency department with right lower facial drooping. This onset was about an hour after waking up and was of 4 h duration. The patient also had a history of a recent ground level fall four days prior that resulted in facial trauma to his right eyebrow without any evident neurological deficits in the region of the injury. A thorough neurological exam revealed sensory and motor deficits across the entirety of the right face, indicating a potential lesion affecting the buccal and marginal mandibular branches of the facial nerve (CN VII). Several differential diagnoses were considered for the lower motor neuron lesion, including soft tissue trauma or swelling from the recent fall, compression due to the known parotid stone, stroke, and complex migraines. An MRI of the brain was conducted to rule out a stroke, with no significant findings. A subsequent CT scan of the neck revealed an obstructed and dilated right Stensen's duct with a noticeably larger and anteriorly displaced sialolith and evidence of parotid gland inflammation. A final diagnosis of facial palsy due to parotitis secondary to sialolithiasis was made. The patient was discharged and later scheduled for a procedure to remove the sialolith which resolved his facial paralysis. CONCLUSIONS: This case emphasizes the need for a comprehensive approach to the differential diagnosis in presentations of facial palsy. It underscores the potential involvement of parotid sialolithiasis, particularly in patients with a history of recurrent parotitis or facial trauma. Prompt recognition of such uncommon presentations can prevent undue interventions, aid in timely appropriate management, and significantly contribute to the patient's recovery and prevention of long-term complications.

Has Coranavirus Disease 2019 Changed the Incidence and Outcome of Bell's Palsy?

BACKGROUND: Objectives: (1) To determine whether the incidence of Bell's Palsy (BP) increased during the pandemic. (2) To investigate whether the outcomes of patients with BP and COVID-19 infection or vaccination differ from those in the pre-pandemic era. METHODS: Patients with BP were studied in 2 periods retrospectively (March 2021-March 2022 and August 2018-August 2019). A prospective study from March 2021 to March 2022 was also performed. Primary outcome was grade ≤Ⅱ in the House-Brackmann (HB) and/or >70 in the Sunnybrook facial grading system (SFGS) scales at the 12-week visit. Reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (PCR) for severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay-based SARS-CoV-2 immuonoglobulin G (IgG) test (blood) were measured. RESULTS: About 162 and 196 patients with BP were identified between March 2021 and March 2022 and August 2018 and August 2019, respectively. Forty-seven patients (29%) entered the prospective study; 85% had HB grades I or II, while 92% had an SFGS score of 71-100 at the last visit. Only 3 patients (6.5%) had a positive PCR during the initial episode, whereas 35 patients (77%) had positive IgG SARS-CoV-2. There was no association between positive PCR and facial function outcomes. Of the 162 patients, 105 (67%) had received COVID-19 vaccine. In 23 of them (22%), the paralysis appeared within the first 30 days after a vaccine dose. CONCLUSION: Coronavirus disease 2019 did not increase the incidence of BP. A direct association between the coronavirus and BP outcome cannot be established. The considerable number of patients developing BP within the first month suggests a possible association between COVID-19 vaccines and BP.

A Scoping Review of Otologic Manifestations of Hematologic Malignancies.

OBJECTIVE: To examine the otologic and neurotologic symptoms, physical examination findings, and imaging features secondary to hematologic malignancies. METHODS: Following Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines, databases, including PubMed, Scopus, and CINAHL, were searched for articles including patients with otologic manifestations of leukemia, lymphoma and multiple myeloma. Data collected included patient and study demographics, specific hematologic malignancy, timing and classification of otologic symptoms, physical examination findings, imaging features and methods of diagnosis. Pooled descriptive analysis was performed. RESULTS: Two hundred seventy-two articles, of which 255 (93.8%) were case reports and 17 (6.2%) were case series, reporting on 553 patients were identified. Otologic manifestations were reported on 307 patients with leukemia, 204 patients with lymphoma and 42 patients with multiple myeloma. Hearing loss and unilateral facial palsy were the most common presenting symptoms for 111 reported subjects with leukemia (n = 46, 41.4%; n = 43, 38.7%) and 90 with lymphoma (n = 38, 42.2%; n = 39, 43.3%). Hearing loss and otalgia were the most common presenting symptoms for 21 subjects with multiple myeloma (n = 10, 47.6%; n = 6, 28.6%). Hearing loss and unilateral facial palsy were the most common otologic symptoms indicative of relapse in subjects with leukemia (n = 14, 43.8%) and lymphoma (n = 5, 50%). CONCLUSION: Hearing loss, facial palsy, and otalgia might be the first indication of a new diagnosis or relapse of leukemia, lymphoma, or multiple myeloma. Clinicians should have a heightened level of suspicion of malignant etiologies of otologic symptoms in patients with current or medical histories of these malignancies.

Microvascular decompression for hemifacial spasm after Bell's palsy: a retrospective clinical study.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to investigate the clinical characteristics of hemifacial spasm (HFS) after Bell's palsy and to evaluate the therapeutic efficacy of microvascular decompression (MVD). METHODS: A retrospective analysis was conducted on 18 patients who underwent MVD for HFS after Bell's palsy at our institution between January 1, 2017, and December 31, 2021. Clinical presentations, intraoperative findings, postoperative outcomes, and complications were comprehensively assessed. RESULTS: Neurovascular compression (NVC) was identified in all the 18 patients. The offending vessels included anterior inferior cerebellar artery (AICA) in 6 patients (33.3%), posterior inferior cerebellar artery (PICA) in 7 patients (38.9%), vertebral artery (VA) combined with AICA in 3 patients (16.7%), and VA alongside PICA in 2 patients (11.1%). Notably, marked arachnoid membrane adhesion was evident in 11 patients (61.1%). 15(83.3%) patients were cured immediately after MVD, delayed relief was found in 3 (16.7%) patients. During the follow-up period, recurrence was not documented. Surgical complications were limited to facial paralysis in 3 patients and auditory impairment in 1 patient. No additional surgical complications were recorded. CONCLUSIONS: In patients manifesting HFS after Bell's palsy, NVC predominantly underlies the etiology. MVD is a reliably safe and efficacious therapeutic intervention.

Facial Function in Bell Palsy in a Cohort of Children Randomized to Prednisolone or Placebo 12 Months After Diagnosis.

BACKGROUND: Information on the medium-term recovery of children with Bell palsy or acute idiopathic lower motor neuron facial paralysis is limited. METHODS: We followed up children aged 6 months to <18 years with Bell palsy for 12 months after completion of a randomized trial on the use of prednisolone. We assessed facial function using the clinician-administered House-Brackmann scale and the modified parent-administered House-Brackmann scale. RESULTS: One hundred eighty-seven children were randomized to prednisolone (n = 93) or placebo (n = 94). At six months, the proportion of patients who had recovered facial function based on the clinician-administered House-Brackmann scale was 98% (n = 78 of 80) in the prednisolone group and 93% (n = 76 of 82) in the placebo group. The proportion of patients who had recovered facial function based on the modified parent-administered House-Brackmann scale was 94% (n = 75 of 80) vs 89% (n = 72 of 81) at six months (OR 1.88; 95% CI 0.60, 5.86) and 96% (n = 75 of 78) vs 92% (n = 73 of 79) at 12 months (OR 3.12; 95% CI 0.61, 15.98). CONCLUSIONS: Although the vast majority had complete recovery of facial function at six months, there were some children without full recovery of facial function at 12 months, regardless of prednisolone use.

Variations in the treatment of acute peripheral facial paralysis. A nationwide survey / Encuesta nacional sobre la variabilidad en el tratamiento de la parálisis facial periférica aguda

Background Acute peripheral facial paralysis may be diagnosed and treated by different specialists. Objective The aim of this study was to explore the variability in the treatment of Bell’s palsy (BP) and Ramsay Hunt Syndrome (RHS) among different medical specialties. Methods An anonymous nationwide online survey was distributed among the Spanish Societies of Otorhinolaryngology (ORL), Neurology (NRL) and Family and Community Medicine (GP). Results 1039 responses were obtained. 98% agreed on using corticosteroids, ORL using higher doses than NRL and GP. Among all, only 13% prescribed antivirals in BP routinely, while 31% prescribed them occasionally. The percentage of specialists not using antivirals for RHS was 5% of ORL, 11% of NRL, and 23% of GP (GP vs. NRL p = 0.001; GP vs. ORL p < 0.0001; NRL vs. ORL p = 0,002). 99% recommended eye care. Exercises as chewing gum or blowing balloons were prescribed by 45% of the participants with statistically significant differences among the three specialties (GP vs. NRL p = 0.021; GP vs. ORL p < 0.0001; NRL vs. ORL p = 0.002). Conclusion There is general agreement in the use of corticosteroids and recommending eye care as part of the treatment of acute peripheral facial paralysis. Yet, there are discrepancies in corticosteroids dosage, use of antivirals and recommendation of facial exercises among specialties. (AU)

Introducción La parálisis facial periférica aguda puede ser diagnosticada y tratada por diferentes especialistas. Objetivo El objetivo de este estudio es analizar la variabilidad entre especialidades en el tratamiento de la parálisis de Bell (PB) y del síndrome de Ramsay-Hunt (SRH). Métodos Se distribuyó una encuesta anónima online entre los miembros de la Sociedad Española de Otorrinolaringología (ORL), la Sociedad Española de Neurología (NRL) y la Sociedad de Medicina Familiar y Comunitaria (MF). Resultados Se recopilaron 1039 respuestas. El 98% de los participantes coincidieron en el uso de corticoides, los ORL utilizaron dosis más altas que NRL y MF. Del total de encuestados, el 13% recomendaba antivirales en la PB de manera rutinaria, mientras que el 31% los recomendaba en ocasiones. El 5% de ORL, 11% de NRL, y 23% de MF (MF vs. NRL p = 0.001; MF vs. ORL p < 0.0001; NRL vs. ORL p = 0,002) no utilizaba antivirales en el tratamiento del SRH. El 99% de añadía cuidados del ojo al tratamiento de la parálisis facial. El 45% de los participantes aconsejaba ejercicios faciales como mascar chicle o inflar globos con diferencias estadísticamente significativas entre las tres especialidades (MF vs. NRL p = 0.021; MF vs. ORL p < 0.0001; NRL vs. ORL p = 0.002). Conclusión Existe acuerdo general en la utilización de corticoides y recomendar cuidados del ojo como parte del tratamiento de la parálisis facial periférica. A pesar de ello, existen diferencias en las dosis utilizadas, la utilización de antivirales o la recomendación de ejercicios faciales entre especialidades. (AU)

Complications After Pediatric Temporal Bone Fractures by Classification System: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.

OBJECTIVE: To analyze the rates of complications after pediatric temporal bone fractures (TBF) and the utility of the longitudinal, transverse, and mixed versus the otic capsule sparing (OCS) and otic capsule violating (OCV) classification systems in predicting these complications. DATA SOURCES: PubMed, Scopus, and CINAHL. REVIEW METHODS: Per PRISMA guidelines, studies of children with TBFs were included. Meta-analyses of proportions were performed. RESULTS: A total of 22 studies with 1376 TBFs were included. Children with TBF had higher rates of conductive hearing loss (CHL) than sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL) (31.3% [95% confidence interval [CI] 23.2-40.1] vs 12.9% [95% CI 8.9-17.5]). No differences in both CHL and SNHL were seen between longitudinal and transverse TBFs; however, OCV TBFs had higher rates of SNHL than OCS TBFs (59.3% [95% CI 27.8-87.0] vs 4.9% [95% CI 1.5-10.1]). Of all patients, 9.9% [95% CI 7.2-13.1] experienced facial nerve (FN) paresis/paralysis, and 13.4% [95% CI 5.9-23.2] experienced cerebrospinal fluid otorrhea. Transverse TBFs had higher rates of FN paresis/paralysis than longitudinal (27.7% [95% CI 17.4-40.0] vs 8.6% [95% CI 5.2-12.8]), but rates were similar between OCS and OCV TBFs. CONCLUSION: CHL was the most common complication after TBF in children; however, neither classification system was superior in identifying CHL. The traditional system was more effective at identifying FN injuries, and the new system was more robust at identifying SNHL. While these results suggest that both classification systems might have utility in evaluating pediatric TBFs, these analyses were limited by sample size. Future research on outcomes of pediatric TBFs stratified by type of fracture, mainly focusing on long-term outcomes, is needed.

SARS-CoV-2 Vaccination and Neuroimmunological Disease: A Review.

Importance: The temporal association between the occurrence of neurological diseases, many autoimmune diseases, and vaccination against SARS-CoV-2 has been topically interesting and remains hotly debated both in the medical literature and the clinic. Given the very low incidences of these events both naturally occurring and in relation to vaccination, it is challenging to determine with certainty whether there is any causative association and most certainly what the pathophysiology of that causation could be. Observations: Data from international cohorts including millions of vaccinated individuals suggest that there is a probable association between the adenovirus-vectored vaccines and Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS). Further associations between other SARS-CoV-2 vaccines and GBS or Bell palsy have not been clearly demonstrated in large cohort studies, but the possible rare occurrence of Bell palsy following messenger RNA vaccination is a topic of interest. It is also yet to be clearly demonstrated that any other neurological diseases, such as central nervous system demyelinating disease or myasthenia gravis, have any causative association with vaccination against SARS-CoV-2 using any vaccine type, although it is possible that vaccination may rarely trigger a relapse or worsen symptoms or first presentation in already-diagnosed or susceptible individuals. Conclusions and Relevance: The associated risk between SARS-CoV-2 vaccination and GBS, and possibly Bell palsy, is slight, and this should not change the recommendation for individuals to be vaccinated. The same advice should be given to those with preexisting neurological autoimmune disease.

Ultrasonographic findings of facial muscles in patients with severe facial palsy who showed no improvement for more than 3 months on acute stage.

INTRODUCTION/AIMS: The study aimed to visualize the changes in the facial muscles of patients with severe facial palsy who showed no improvement for more than 3 months on acute stage. METHODS: The 102 patients with severe facial palsy over House-Brackmann grade IV or an 80% degenerative ratio on ENoG at the initial examination, who showed no improvement for more than 3 months on acute stage were indicated to undergo ultrasonography of the face to evaluate the facial muscles. RESULTS: Muscular degeneration was observed in 537/918 muscles (58.5%). Muscle volume shrinkage was observed in 209/918 muscles (22.8%). Fascial adhesions were observed in 209/918 muscles (22.7%). Among all the muscles assessed for degenerative changes, zygomaticus major/minor was the most affected by degenerative changes (91.2%). Degenerative changes were observed in the levator labii superioris muscle in 84.3% patients. The shrinkage was most frequently observed in the zygomaticus major muscle (61/102 patients [59.8%]), followed by the zygomaticus minor muscle (43.1%). Shrinkage of the levator labii suprioris was observed in 24.5% patients. The zygomaticus major/minor muscle had the highest proportion of fascial adhesions in 61.8% and 66.7% patients respectively. The levator labii suprioris muscle showed the lowest proportion of fascial adhesions, with only 7.8% patients being affected. DISCUSSION: This study confirmed that the zygomaticus major, zygomaticus minor, and levator labii suprioris muscles, which raise the corner of the mouth, are the first to degenerate in patients with severe facial paralysis. This study demonstrated that ultrasonography is a simple and non-invasive examination for facial paralysis.

Cardiovascular, Neurological, and Immunological Adverse Events and the 23-Valent Pneumococcal Polysaccharide Vaccine.

Importance: Despite widespread immunization with the 23-valent pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine (PPSV23), safety concerns remain owing to a lack of statistical power and largely outdated evidence. Objective: To evaluate the association between cardiovascular, neurological, and immunological adverse events and PPSV23 vaccination in older adults. Design, Setting, and Participants: This population-based cohort study using a self-controlled risk interval design used a large linked database created by linking the Korea Immunization Registry Information System and the National Health Information Database (2018 to 2021). Participants included patients aged 65 years or older with a history of PPSV23 vaccination and incident cardiovascular, neurological, or immunological events during the risk and control intervals. Data were analyzed from November 2022 to April 2023. Exposure: 23-valent pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine. Main Outcomes and Measures: The occurrence of 1 among 6 cardiovascular events (myocardial infarction, atrial fibrillation, cardiomyopathy, heart failure, hypotension, and myocarditis or pericarditis), 2 neurological events (Bell palsy and Guillain-Barré syndrome), and 3 immunological events (sepsis, thrombocytopenia, and anaphylaxis) during the risk and control periods. The risk and control intervals were defined as 1 to 28 and 57 to 112 days after PPSV23 vaccination, respectively. Conditional Poisson regression was used to estimate the incidence rate ratio (IRR) with a 95% CI. Results: Altogether, 4355 of the 1 802 739 individuals who received PPSV23 vaccination and experienced at least 1 outcome event were included (mean [SD] age, 72.4 [8.2] years; 2272 male participants [52.1%]). For cardiovascular events, there were no significant associations for myocardial infarction (IRR, 0.96; 95% CI, 0.81-1.15), heart failure (IRR, 0.85; 95% CI, 0.70-1.04), and stroke (IRR, 0.92; 95% CI, 0.84-1.02). Similarly, no increased risks were observed for neurological and immunological outcomes: Bell palsy (IRR, 0.95; 95% CI, 0.72-1.26), Guillain-Barré syndrome (IRR, 0.27; 95% CI, 0.06-1.17), sepsis (IRR, 0.99; 95% CI, 0.74-1.32), and thrombocytopenia (IRR, 1.18; 95% CI, 0.60-2.35). Conclusions and Relevance: In this self-controlled risk interval study, there was no appreciable increase in risk for most cardiovascular, neurological, or immunological adverse events following PPSV23. The updated safety profile of PPSV23 provides supportive evidence for the establishment of immunization strategies for older adults.

Bell's palsy: a case report of unusual presentation in a patient with rhino-orbital cerebral mucormycosis.

BACKGROUND: Mucormycosis is a fungal infection caused by the Mucorales order of fungi. This fungus is commonly found in soil and can cause disease in immunocompromised patients. On the other hand, Bell's palsy is an idiopathic condition that results in the sudden onset of unilateral facial muscle weakness, affecting the facial nerve. CASE PRESENTATION: A 51-year-old Persian housewife with a history of poorly controlled diabetes mellitus presented with a splitting headache that had been ongoing for 1 week and an inability to close her left eye or make facial expressions on the left side of her face. The patient's vital signs were normal, but physical examination revealed a yellow-grey scar on the left side of her hard palate and Bell's palsy on the left side. A neurological examination showed that she could move both eyes but could not close her left eye, move up her left eyebrow, or smile. Further investigations were performed, including laboratory tests, radiologic imaging, and functional endoscopic sinus surgery. The patient underwent three rounds of debridement for bony erosion in the medial and posterior walls of the left maxillary sinus and the hard palate. Pathological examination confirmed mucormycosis infection in the hard palate and mucosa. CONCLUSION: Fungal infection must be considered a potential diagnosis for immunocompromised adults who exhibit symptoms of Bell's palsy.