[Prognosis of peripheral facial paralysis in Lyme borreliosis (Garin-Bujadoux, Bannwarth meningopolyradiculitis)].

Meningopolyradiculitis (Garin-Bujadoux syndrome, Bannwarth syndrome) is the second stage of Lyme disease, a tick-borne Borrelia infection. Almost 60% of these patients develop an acute peripheral facial paresis. The disease can be differentiated from Bell's palsy only by finding the specific Borrelia antibodies in serum and CSF. Other cranial nerve lesions can be found besides facial paresis. The follow-up of seven Borrelia-infected patients is described: one showed bilateral, the others unilateral, facial paresis. High dosage of penicillin or tetracycline for 10-14 days is the appropriate therapy. The prognosis of facial paresis in tick-borne Borrelia infection is considered to be good. All our patients showed complete recovery of motor nerve function.