Facial colliculus syndrome due to a Herpes simplex virus infection following Herpes labialis

Abstract

Background. The facial colliculus is an elevated area that is formed by fibers from the motor nucleus of the 7'th cranial nerve as they loop over the abducens nucleus. Clinical signs and symptoms of facial colliculus lesions occur primarily due to injury to the abducens nerve nucleus, the facial nerve fibers around the abducens nucleus, paramedian pontine reticular formation, and the medial longitudinal fasciculus. The etiology of facial colliculus lesions varies by age. While tumors, demyelinating lesions, and viral infections can be involved in young individuals' etiology, vascular ischemia is a common causative factor in older people. Case. In this paper, we present a case of facial colliculus syndrome due to its rare occurrence in a young patient; who developed the signs and symptoms after a herpes infection. Conclusion. Facial colliculus syndrome is rare and the treatment is based on etiology.