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Task-specific facial dystonia following COVID-19 infection: A case report

Year: 2024

Type: article

Abstract: RATIONALE: During the coronavirus disease of 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, various movement disorders associated with COVID-19 infection have been reported. However, the incidence of dystonia specifically associated with COVID-19 infection has been particularly rare. PATIENT CONCERNS: A 43-year-old male patient presented to the movement disorders clinic with complaints of facial grimacing while chewing and experiencing spasms during nasal breathing. These symptoms appeared 2 weeks after he tested positive for COVID-19. DIAGNOSES: Based on normal diagnostic test results, including brain imaging and blood tests, it was concluded that task-specific facial dystonia following COVID-19 infection. INTERVENTIONS: Despite treatment with clonazepam, trihexyphenidyl, and carbamazepine, his condition did not improve. Subsequently, botulinum toxin injections were administered to the affected facial muscles identified through video analysis. OUTCOMES: Botulinum toxin injections led to a significant improvement in the patient's symptoms. LESSONS: Task-specific dystonia affecting the facial muscles, particularly induced by specific actions such as chewing and nasal breathing, is rare and may represent an atypical post-infectious manifestation of COVID-19.

Source: Medicine

DOI: 10.1097/md.0000000000039689

Authors: Jong-Mok Lee, Pan-Woo Ko

Institutions: Kyungpook National University Hospital, Kyungpook National University

Language: English

Topic: Neurological and metabolic disorders

Subfield: Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $1,950