Two new cases of Bell’s palsy reported after Covid-19 vaccinations

Two local women, aged 35 and 60 years old, are the most recent cases of Bell’s palsy diagnoses after a Covid-19 vaccination, the Novel Coronavirus Response and Coordination Center has said.
The two women were inoculated with Sinopharm vaccines on June 21. In the case of the 60-year-old woman, this was her second dose of the vaccine.
Both reported similar symptoms, such as abnormal paresthesia on the left side of their faces, crooked corners of the mouth, and an inability to completely close their left eyelids.
The 35-year-old woman sought medical assistance at the emergency department of the Kiang Wu Hospital on July 20, where she received the diagnosis. The 60-year-old was diagnosed at the Conde de São Januário Hospital Center on July 19.
Both patients have received treatment and left the hospital on the same day, without the need for hospitalization.
As onset of the medical condition occurred after immunization, the two cases were considered potential adverse events after immunization (AEFI) and forwarded for review to the Evaluation Taskforce on AEFI of Covid-19 Vaccination for further analysis.
In the same statement, the center also stressed that Bell’s palsy is a common medical condition in Macau and that, according to the most current data, there has been no increase in the incidence of the Bell’s palsy due to Covid-19 vaccination.
The center also notes that — according to the experiences observed — the majority of patients can achieve an almost-full recovery from the condition in a period of about three to six months.