# Idiopathic Bell’s Palsy in a Five-Week-Old Infant: A Case Report

## TL;DR

This case report describes the youngest known infant diagnosed with idiopathic Bell’s palsy and details the successful treatment leading to full recovery.

## Contribution

The report presents the youngest documented case of idiopathic Bell’s palsy and emphasizes the diagnostic and treatment challenges in infants.

## Key findings

- A five-week-old infant was diagnosed with idiopathic Bell’s palsy after ruling out other pathologies.
- Treatment with oral prednisolone led to complete recovery in the patient.
- This case highlights the rarity and management of Bell’s palsy in very young infants.

## Abstract

Bell’s palsy is a paralysis on one side of the face due to inflammation of the seventh cranial nerve and most often has an idiopathic etiology. This case presents a five-week-old male who was noted to have a left-sided facial asymmetry. Pathological etiologies were ruled out, but the findings were inconclusive, and the patient was ultimately discharged on a course of oral prednisolone. This report highlights the youngest documented case of idiopathic Bell’s palsy, detailing the diagnostic challenges and successful treatment approach that led to complete recovery.