Medical Case Reports

Right-sided facial swelling with functional hemiparesis: a diagnosis dilemma

International Conference on Physicians, Surgeons and Case Reports
November 19-20, 2018 Paris, France

Claire Graham, Samantha Reid, Colette Balmer and Kathryn Taylor

Royal Liverpool University Dental Hospital, UK

Posters & Accepted Abstracts: Med Case Rep

DOI: 10.21767/2471-8041-C2-006

Abstract

Functional paresis is a psychogenic phenomenon resulting in patients complaining of weakness and disturbances in function without pathology. Often patients with function symptoms have a history of depression and anxiety. Here we discuss a case of an 18 year old female who self-referred into the local dental emergency clinic regarding an acute right-sided facial swelling and a right-sided facial paresis. Further investigation revealed the likely cause of her right parotid swelling was a mucous plug or sialolith that subsequently passed. It transpired the right facial paresis which was not a new presentation and the patient had been under the care of a consultant neurologist for functional hemiparesis. Interestingly, the patient had worked in a stroke ward at the time of onset of the hemiparesis. Due to the limited history expressed by the patient and clinical findings, upper motor neurone pathology was suspected initially. This case highlights the importance of liaising with other specialties in order to proceed with the correct management.

Biography

E-mail: Claire.graham6@nhs.net