[Peripheral facial palsy caused by severe hypertension in a three-year-old boy]

Abstract

A three-year-old boy was admitted to the children's ward with a newly developed peripheral facial palsy. First examination showed a high blood pressure (BP), but the measurement was initially dismissed as inaccurate. After a few days the boy developed a headache. The BP measurement was replicated, showing 180/120 mmHg, and the boy was treated with antihypertensive medication. Diagnostic imaging showed coarctation of the abdominal aorta and both renal arteries. The boy was finally treated with dilatation of the renal arteries. This case illustrates the importance of measuring the BP in children with facial palsy.