Chickenpox, resulting from primary infection by the varicella-zoster virus, is an exanthematous disease very common during childhood and with good prognosis. However, serious complications, namely, neurological syndromes, may develop during its course, especially in risk groups, including adolescents. Peripheral facial palsy is a rare neurologic complication that has been previously described. ...

A 73-year-old man referred for parkinsonism related a history of Bell palsy. The figure demonstrates that the right side of the face has some of the typical characteristics of a peripheral facial palsy, including flattening of the nasolabial fold and widening of the palpebral fissure. But was that the side affected? See the accompanying videotape for the answer. Figure. Flattening of the right ...

This study provides historical documents of peripheral facial palsy from Egypt, Greece and Rome, through the middle ages, and the renaissance, and into the last four centuries. We believe that the history of peripheral facial palsy parallels history of the human race itself. Emphasis is made on contributions by Avicenna and Nicolaus Friedreich. Controversies about the original clinical descript...