Age: 60.0
Sex: F
Vaccine: VARZOS
Symptoms: VIIth nerve paralysis
Clinical narrative: This spontaneous report as received from a 60 year old female consumer reporting on herself. The patient's current conditions included neurologic condition (unspecified), diabetes, hypothyroid (Hashimoto's disease) and autoimmune disease (unspecified). The patient's drug reaction/allergies included: metformin (facial swelling), TEGRETOL (facial swelling), COZAAR (facial swelling and blisters) (captured in 1407USA005701), unspecified flu vaccine and pneumonia vaccine administered together (arm swelling) (manufacturer unknown) (captured in MARRS 1407USA006762), penicillin and sulfa. On 25-JUN-2014, the patient was vaccinated with a dose of ZOSTAVAX vial, one dose on the back of the arm (dose, lot number and expiration date not reported). Concomitant therapies included: ACTOS, CRESTOR, GLUMETZA, hydrochlorothiazide HCTZ (manufacturer unknown), gabapentin (manufacturer unknown), omeprazole (manufacturer unknown), PREMARIN, SYNTHROID, XYZAL, ZANAFLEX, ZETIA, TOPROL XL and ZANTAC. On 24-JUN-2014, the patient experienced arm swelling and pain at the injection site within 24 hours of receiving ZOSTAVAX. Caller stated it was a large, swollen, painful area about 4 to 5 inches long at the injection site and she was also achy on the side of her breasts near the injection site. Caller stated that she used ice packs to treat this reaction which resolved. On 04-JUL-2014, she noticed a constant non-stop twitching of her right eye and when drinking liquid it would run down her chin. The following day on 05-JUL-2014, she spent all day in bed from being tired from throwing a party the day before. On 06-JUL-2014, she took a swish of mouthwash, but couldn't close her mouth and noticed it was twisted open. She visited the Emergency Room for treatment and was admitted (1 day) for further testing which during that time they ruled out a stroke and determined she was suffering from Bell's Palsy and was treated with one dose of 50mg of prednisone (manufacturer unspecified). Caller also stated that she could not feel the right side of her face, it felt like being shot with novocaine including sharp, burning pain. Caller stated that she has seen improvement, but was still experiencing pain behind her right ear, side of right jaw and the outer cartilage of her right ear. Caller also stated when she talked for a long time her mouth begun to hurt again. Caller further explained her smile was not as twisted at that point however she could not close her right eye which had remained the same since this developed. Caller also stated she had a physical therapy appointment starting tomorrow and she will be seeing a Neurologist in 10 days. At the time of the report, the patient was recovering from Bell's palsy, and was recovered from the large swollen, painful area at the injection site. The patient visited the office for medical attention. Lab diagnostics performed were: computerized tomography (CT) Scan, Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), Doppler on both sides of carotid, Echocardiogram, Blood work (unspecified, units and results not provided). This is one of several cases from the same patient. Additional information has been requested.