POLYMERASE CHAIN-REACTION AMPLIFICATION OF HERPES-SIMPLEX VIRAL-DNA FROM THE GENICULATE GANGLION OF A PATIENT WITH BELLS-PALSY

Bell's palsy is the most common cause of facial paralysis. In this stu dy, we demonstrate the presence of herpes simplex viral type 1 (HSV-1) genomic DNA in the geniculate ganglion of a patient who had Bell's pa lsy. This association suggests that in this patient, HSV-1 may have ca used Bell's palsy. If HSV-1 is a cause of Bell's palsy, treatment with acyclovir may be beneficial. Additional studies should be done to est ablish the prevalence of HSV-1 as an etiologic agent of Bell's palsy.