A Rare Case of Hyperglycemia, Ketoacidosis, and Central Facial Paralysis in a Newly-Diagnosed Diabetic Woman

Abstract

BACKGROUND Diabetes mellitus is a chronic disease that occurs when the pancreas does not produce enough insulin or when the body is unable to effectively use the insulin it produces. Uncontrolled diabetes mellitus is usually associated with neurological manifestations, such as hemichorea, focal epileptic seizures, peripheral neuropathy, and peripheral facial paralysis. This report describes a 59-year-old woman presenting with hyperglycemia and ketoacidosis due to newly diagnosed diabetes mellitus, as well as a temporary episode of central facial paralysis, which regressed within a few days after medical treatment and metabolic correction. CASE REPORT A 59-year-old patient with hypertension and a family history of diabetes mellitus presented with polyuro-polydipsic syndrome and signs of metabolic ketoacidosis, with an elevated anion gap, compatible with newly discovered type 1 diabetes mellitus. Six hours after admission, we noted the abrupt onset of left central facial paralysis, with no brain damage shown on magnetic resonance imaging. Initially, the diagnosis was transient ischemic attack. After a second, normal cerebral magnetic resonance image on the fourth day, and clinical improvement on the fifth day after metabolic correction by insulin therapy and rehydration, the diagnosis of a regressive central facial paralysis was retained. CONCLUSIONS Central facial paralysis in diabetic ketoacidosis is a rare neuroendocrine entity. The pathophysiological mechanisms that can explain the occurrence of central facial paralysis are not yet described and require further investigation. This report highlights the importance of diagnosis, early management of hyperglycemia and diabetic ketoacidosis, and reversibility of central facial paralysis after treatment.