Bilateral Facial Palsy and Epstein–Barr Infection in Children: A Case Report and Literature Review

Background: Bilateral facial nerve palsy (BFNP) is a rare clinical entity in children and is more often associated with systemic or infectious diseases than unilateral facial palsy. Epstein–Barr virus (EBV) infection is an uncommon but recognized cause of facial nerve palsy and may present with bilateral involvement. Case presentation: We report the case of a 3-year-old boy who presented with progressive bilateral facial weakness following a febrile illness with pharyngitis and cervical lymphadenopathy. Neurological examination revealed complete bilateral facial paralysis (House–Brackmann grade VI). Laboratory investigations showed lymphocytosis and confirmed acute EBV infection through positive viral capsid antigen IgM and detectable EBV DNA in peripheral blood. Cerebrospinal fluid analysis demonstrated mild pleocytosis with negative EBV DNA. Brain magnetic resonance imaging revealed unilateral enhancement of the left facial nerve. Audiologic evaluation supported peripheral facial nerve dysfunction. The patient was treated with systemic corticosteroids, vitamin B complex supplementation, artificial tears, and speech therapy, resulting in gradual and substantial clinical improvement over five months. Discussion: A review of the pediatric literature identified only six previously reported cases of EBV-associated BFNP. The pathogenesis may involve either direct viral neurotropism or a post-infectious immune-mediated mechanism. Diagnostic evaluation is essential to exclude other serious causes of BFNP, particularly Lyme disease and Guillain–Barré syndrome. Conclusions: EBV infection should be considered in the differential diagnosis of BFNP in children. Prognosis is generally favorable, although recovery may be prolonged. Further studies are needed to clarify optimal diagnostic and therapeutic approaches.