Recurrent alternating facial paralysis and malignant hypertension

A previously healthy 11-year old girl with three episodes of alternating facial palsy is described. On examination during the third relapse a severe essential hypertension was diagnosed, accompanied by abnormalities on cerebral imaging, cardiac and fundoscopic investigations. Antihypertensive treatment normalized the hypertension. No relapse of the facial palsy occurred since. The objective of this communication is to draw the attention to hypertension as a possible cause of recurrent facial paralysis in children, to stress the importance of measuring the blood pressure and taking a thorough family history in every patient presenting with facial palsy.