Bell's Palsy and COVID-19 Vaccination: A Systematic Review

"Introduction

... Following the COVID-19 vaccination, several cases of Bell's palsy have been reported. Regarding the importance of immunization against COVID-19, this study aimed to systematically review the reported cases of Bell's palsy following vaccination against COVID-19.

Methods

This systematic review is conducted based on the Cochrane Collaboration Handbook and PRISMA Statement (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyzes) and using the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) methodology for systematic reviews...

Characteristics of included studies and findings 

Our results showed that among 33 cases with the diagnosis of Bells’ palsy, 22 received Pfizer, seven cases were injected Moderna, and four cases received other vaccines (Janssen, COVAXIN, and Sputnik V). Most individuals were female (51.7% vs. 48.3%). In the analysis based on the vaccine type, in receivers of Pfizer, most cases were male (71.4% vs. 53.3%), while in Moderna receivers, females were predominant cases of Bells’ palsy (33.3% vs. 14.3%). Left-side paralysis happened more frequently than on the rightside (48.5% vs. 27.3%). The mean interval between receiving the vaccine and onset of facial weakness (Days) was 10.25 days with a minimum of 1 and a maximum of 48 days...

Discussion

... Although, in this systematic review, we do not confirm or deny the existence of a causal relationship between COVID-19 vaccination and the incidence of Bell's palsy, and the discovery of such a link requires extensive case-control studies; however, given the importance of neurological manifestations, the necessity to highlight and scrutinize the incidence of them following COVID-19 vaccination is needed."