Ringing the Bell’s: A Mohs complication worth listening to – A case report

We report an uncommon case of transient Bell's palsy-like facial paralysis following local anesthesia during Mohs micrographic surgery of the left conchal bowl. The temporary complication resolved spontaneously without intervention and is suspected to have resulted from anesthetic diffusion to the facial nerve via the tragal region. This case highlights the importance of understanding facial nerve anatomy during procedures in the auricular area and the need to counsel patients regarding rare but benign complications of local anesthesia.

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Publication Details

Journal
SAGE Open Medical Case Reports
Published
2026-01-01
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1177/2050313x251411522
Primary Topic
Facial Nerve Paralysis Treatment and Research
Type
article
Field-Weighted Citation Impact
0.00
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article

Ringing the Bell’s: A Mohs complication worth listening to – A case report

Frank Don, Ivie Obeime, Abigail Beard
SAGE Open Medical Case Reports
Facial Nerve Paralysis Treatment and Research
article

Ringing the Bell’s: A Mohs complication worth listening to – A case report

Frank Don, Ivie Obeime, Abigail Beard
article en

Abstract

We report an uncommon case of transient Bell's palsy-like facial paralysis following local anesthesia during Mohs micrographic surgery of the left conchal bowl. The temporary complication resolved spontaneously without intervention and is suspected to have resulted from anesthetic diffusion to the facial nerve via the tragal region. This case highlights the importance of understanding facial nerve anatomy during procedures in the auricular area and the need to counsel patients regarding rare but benign complications of local anesthesia.

SAGE Open Medical Case ReportsVol. 14
Larkin Community Hospital (US), Florida Academic Dermatology Center (US), Indian River State College (US)
Openalex Percentile: Top 92%
Facial Nerve Paralysis Treatment and Research
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