# Child With Human Herpesvirus 6 and Bell’s Palsy: Case Report and Overview of the Literature

## TL;DR

A 17-month-old child with a history of HHV-6 infection developed Bell’s palsy, suggesting a possible link between HHV-6 and facial nerve palsy.

## Contribution

This case report adds to the evidence suggesting HHV-6 as a potential cause of Bell’s palsy in children.

## Key findings

- A child with a prior HHV-6 infection developed Bell’s palsy five months later.
- The case supports the hypothesis that HHV-6 may cause peripheral facial nerve palsy in children.
- Etiologic testing is underutilized in pediatric Bell’s palsy cases despite potential infectious causes.

## Abstract

Peripheral facial nerve palsy (pFP), or Bell’s palsy, does occur in the pediatric population, although it is rare. Numerous infectious etiologies of pFP are known, but up to 75% of pediatric pFP cases are idiopathic. Empiric treatment typically involves steroids and antivirals, and etiologic testing is not frequently conducted. Human herpesvirus 6 (HHV-6) has been reported as a possible cause of pFP in both adults and children. We report a case of a 17-month-old female who presented with pFP and had a history of HHV-6 infection five months prior to presentation. This case may represent another instance of HHV-6 as a potential causative agent of pFP. While it cannot be stated with certainty, this finding lends itself to the consideration of HHV-6 as a cause of pFP, both in the setting of acute infection and viral reactivation.