Peripheral Facial Palsy Caused by Trichloroethylene Vapor Exposure

ABSTRACT

Trichloroethylene (TCE) is a halogenated hydrocarbon widely used as a solvent in industrial and household settings. This report describes an acute trichloroethylene (TCE) exposure that resulted in the development of pheripheral facial palsy, which is a very rare occurrence. Most reports of palsy symptoms involve cranial nerves, especially the trigeminal nerve. The patient complained of numbness of the left side of the face. Clinical manifestations, laboratory values and treatment are discussed. The presentation of peripheral facial palsy is very similar to Bell's palsy but has a slightly different clinical course.