Can Google Trends analysis confirm the public's need for information about the rare association of facial nerve paralysis with COVID-19 or the COVID-19 vaccination?

Abstract

Facial nerve paralysis or Bell's palsy have been suggested as possible consequences of SARS-CoV-2 infections, as well as possible side effects of COVID-19 vaccinations. Google Trends data have been used to evaluate worldwide levels of public awareness for these topics for pre- and post-pandemic years. The results demonstrate a relatively low public interest in facial nerve paralysis in comparison to other more common COVID-19 related topics. Some peaks of interest in Bell's palsy can most likely be explained as triggered by the media. Therefore, Google Trends has shown public's relatively low awareness of this rare neurological phenomenon during the pandemic.

Keywords: Bell's palsy; COVID-19; Facial nerve paralysis; Google Trends; Ramsay–Hunt syndrome type 2; SARS-CoV-2; Search engine data.