Bell’s palsy and corona virus vaccine

[ml71]

There was a discussion on the news here (CNN) about the Corona virus vaccine and Bell’s palsy. There was a group trial with some people getting a placebo and some getting the actual shot. Some of the people in the placebo group got Bell’s palsy and a bit more of the people who received the vaccine got Bell’s palsy. There doesn’t seem to be much knowledge about this and they are monitoring it. I am 16 years out and only about 80% recovered. Any knowledge on this as I want to get vaccinated when I am able but now uncertain?

Thanks

[Taylorsaunders236]

Hi!

I had Bell’s palsy in the past so I completely understand your concern. I recently completed my doctorate in Virology at the University of Cambridge, so I believe I am well qualified to interpret the data coming out of these vaccine trials. In response to your question, I found this quote which may set you at ease somewhat:

“In the general population, having nothing to do with Covid-19 nor the Covid-19 vaccine, approximately 40,000 individuals develop Bell’s palsy annually in the United States, or approximately 1 in 10,000. In both groups of vaccine trial participants, the rate (1 in 10,000) was commensurate with the incidence of sudden facial paralysis in the general population.”

So while it’s true a small number of people did get Bell’s palsy in the vaccine arm of the trials, this number of people within the whole population getting the vaccine is in line with numbers we would expect randomly anyway. I would keep an eye on the situation in the coming weeks if you’re still unsure but from what I’ve understood I’m personally confident the vaccine is safe and there is so far no indication that it itself can be termed causative of Bell’s palsy. Feel free to reply with any further questions and I can do my best to answer them (:

[ml71 in reply to Taylorsaunders236]

Hi. Thank you so much for your reply. I appreciate it tremendously. Have you gotten vaccinated yet? I also am very hesitant about the shingles vaccine as well and therefore have not gotten that either. Would there be a component in either vaccine that could possibly activate the virus? As I mentioned I am 16 years out but only about 80% recovered. I have synkenisis and the left side of my mouth is partially paralyzed so you can understand my hesitation. I researched Bell’s palsy extensively when I got it and I feel in my case it was surgically and stress related but who knows. I will definitely be watching the statistics on this. My husband agrees with you as well!Again thank you so much for your input and happy holidays to you!

[Taylorsaunders236 in reply to ml71]

Hi,

No I haven’t had the vaccine yet; I’m not old enough to be eligible so far but once it becomes available to me I shall certainly be getting it so I can contribute to herd immunity and protect myself against the risk of re-infection too. I had covid in April with quite miserable pneumonia and shortness of breath. Luckily no hospitalisation but I wouldn’t wish it on anyone and certainly don’t want to go through it again.

I completely understand your hesitation of course. Bell’s palsy is so miserable. From what I know about the components of the covid vaccine, nothing in it will directly be able to reactivate Bell’s palsy. This is because all it does is essentially give our cells instructions (mRNA) to make the spike protein of the virus. Then our immune response responds to the protein your own cell machinery has made to generate an immune response. So really from there it’s just the same process as getting a bit of a cold. The only thing to look out for is if you have a history of extreme allergy to food etc; then you have a slight risk of allergic response but in that case the vaccine administrator would just keep you in observation for a bit longer after the injection. All the main ingredients are these:

- mRNA

- Lipids

- Potassium chloride

- Monobasic potassium phosphate

- Sodium chloride

- Dibasic sodium phosphate dehydrate

- Sucrose

None of these should be able to activate the virus (I assume you mean HSV by this?). Anyway, none of the above are harmful and are quite usual for a vaccine. And even if they could do anything, the link suggested between HSV and Bell’s palsy is in your nerves, which none of these things should get to (: I don’t know anything about the shingles vaccine so can’t comment on it.

The bottom line from me is (sorry if I’ve gone on a bit!) I believe it’s all safe, and certainly no riskier to you than any other vaccine. But I would say just speak to your doctor/healthcare professional about these specific Bell’s palsy history combined with the vaccine concerns; they are on the front line with this and should be able to set you further at ease. Personally for me, any fear of Bell’s palsy related things pale in comparison to the risks posed by coronavirus infection.

Hope this has helped, and also hope you’re having as nice a holiday as possible in these unusual times.

[ml71 in reply to Taylorsaunders236]

I so appreciate your response. I have gotten the flu shot and was fine. I certainly do not want to experience COVID-19 and am sorry you went through it. I’m glad you’re ok. I have asthma (not too bad) and also I’m type A+ blood so I’m being careful. I also don’t want to ever experience Bell’s palsy again. I was out of work for 7 weeks and still have residual nerve issues. I spoke to my health care provider about the shingles vaccine but they really don’t know much about it relating to bell’s. By the time my turn comes to get the vaccine there might be more data about it. Thank you so much for your valuable information and please keep in touch if any new data arises. Again Happy Holidays to you. It will definitely be different!!!

[Karen-FPUK Partner]

Please see our statement from the Facial Palsy UK Medical Advisory Board here: facialpalsy.org.uk/news/fac... you.