Prevalence of Lyme disease in patients with peripheral facial palsy in the province of Quebec: a prospective multicenter Canadian study

Author:

Vincent, M, Guay, E, Blais, L, Foo, J, Labrosse, M, Cote, A, Emond, B, Berbiche, D, Thuot, A, Hamelin, K, and Brouillard, A

Publication type:

Journal Article

Publication date:

2026-09

Journal/Series title:

CJEM

URL:

https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s43678-026-01271-7

Abstract:

The findings of this study indicate a low prevalence of Lyme disease among patients presenting with peripheral facial palsy in Quebec. While the authors recommend testing for Lyme disease as per local guidelines in patients presenting with peripheral facial palsy in endemic regions, empiric treatment should not be routinely initiated in the absence of other clinical signs or symptoms suggestive of the disease given the absence of confirmed cases in this cohort.