İpek Gül ACARTÜRK, Atalay BAŞDEMİR, Ahmet KÖDER
Turkish Medical Student Journal - 2026;13(2):35-38
Bee stings usually cause mild local reactions; however, rare neurological complications, including peripheral facial paralysis, may occur. We present a case of peripheral facial paralysis following a bee sting. A 62-year-old male presented with left-sided facial asymmetry two days after being stung in the left infraorbital and preauricular region. Neurological examination revealed left-sided House-Brackmann grade II peripheral facial paralysis without additional neurological deficits, and central causes were excluded clinically. The patient had well-controlled diabetes mellitus. Oral methylprednisolone and supportive therapy were initiated. Significant clinical improvement was observed on day ten, and complete recovery was achieved by the third week. Inflammatory edema, neurotoxic effects, and microvascular ischemia may contribute to the pathogenesis. Bee sting should be considered a rare cause of peripheral facial paralysis, and early corticosteroid therapy may result in complete recovery.
