Bell's Palsy - herpes simplex virus type-1 a possible causative agent.

The role of Herpes Simplex Virus Type 1 (HSV-I) in Bell's Palsy was evaluated according to clinical symptomatology and serologic findings in a series of 41 patients seen over two years period. Four fold rise in antibody titre between the acute and convalescent sera suggesting a primary infection by HSV-1 was seen in 21.9% cases, while arise in titre or a constantly high titre suggesting a reactivation or recurrent infection by HSV-I was obtained in 29.2% cases. In 48.9% cases there was a negative antibody titre. No seasonal clustering was observed. There was no relation between the recovery of facial nerve function with the antibody titre. Key words: Bell's palsy. Herpes simplex virus.