HERPES-SIMPLEX VIRUS AS CAUSE OF BELL'S PALSY

David P. McCormick

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

231 Scopus citations

Abstract

A large percentage of cases of Bell's palsy may be caused by herpes-simplex virus (H.S.V.). It is suggested that H.S.V. takes up residence within the peripheral-nerve-cell axon, where it is protected from neutralising antibody and sensitised mononuclear immunocytes. Bell's palsy may result when H.S.V. ruptures from the nerve axon, infects the Schwann sheath, and progresses centripetally. When the swelling caused by the herpetic endoneuritis reaches the enclosed space of the bony fallopian canal, compression of the facial nerve results in paralysis.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)937-939
Number of pages3
JournalThe Lancet
Volume299
Issue number7757
DOIs
StatePublished - Apr 29 1972
Externally publishedYes

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • General Medicine

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