Bell's Palsy during Interferon Therapy for Chronic Hapatitis C Infection

Alpha-interferon is a drug of proven effect in both hepatitis B and C infection. But, the interferons are associated with numerous adverse reactions including various neurologic syndromes. We report a case of Bell's palsy during interferon therapy. The patient commenced on alpha 2b-interferon therapy for chronic hepatitis C infection. He developed Bell's palsy fifth months after commencing therapy. Although Bell's palsy in our patient may have occurred by chance, a neuropathic effect of alpha 2b-interfeon on the facial nerve cannot be excluded.