Bell palsy complicating pregnancy: A review

Yoram Cohen, Ofer Lavie, Sorina Granovsky-Grisaru, Yeshaya Aboulafia, Yoram Z. Diamant

Research output: Contribution to journalReview articlepeer-review

71 Scopus citations

Abstract

The aim of the present work was to review the published evidence on the association of Bell palsy (BP), an acute idiopathic peripheral facial paralysis of unknown etiology, with pregnancy. Reports have shown that women of reproductive age are affected two to four times more often than men of the same age, and pregnant women 3.3 times more often than nonpregnant women. The apparent predisposition of pregnant women to Bell palsy has been attributed to the high extracellular fluid content, viral inflammation, and immunosuppression characteristic of pregnancy, but findings are controversial. Most cases of Bell palsy occur in the third trimester or the puerperium. Onset is acute and painful. Some authors suggest that Bell palsy increases the risk of hypertension and toxemia of pregnancy, whereas the pregnant state, in turn, may affect the course and severity of disease. Recovery is usually good; poor prognostic markers are recurrence in subsequent pregnancy and bilateral disease, both of which are rare. Neonatal outcome is apparently unaffected, although this has been studied rarely. The preferred mode of management remains undecided; it is usually confined to supportive care. Corticosteroids in pregnancy are controversial. We think clinicians should be aware of these findings to avoid unnecessary testing and treatment and to help the patient cope with this acute, painful disease.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)184-188
Number of pages5
JournalObstetrical and Gynecological Survey
Volume55
Issue number3
DOIs
StatePublished - 1 Mar 2000
Externally publishedYes

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Obstetrics and Gynecology

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