Bell’s Palsy in Pregnancy: A Case Series

Abstract

The association between pregnancy-associated Bell’s palsy (PABP) and gestational hypertension (GHT), preeclampsia (PE), and eclampsia (EC) remains inconclusive. We aimed to study the characteristics of PABP cases and the neonatal outcomes at our institution. All cases diagnosed with PABP from 2006 to 2016 were identified. Demographic and clinical characteristics including maternal age, previous medical and obstetric illnesses, gestational age at the onset of PABP, the development of PE/EC, GHT, gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM), treatment and outcomes, as well as neonatal health indices and anomalies were described. Eight patients with PABP were identified. Most of the cases were first- or second-gravidity pregnancies. PABP occurred during the third trimester except for one case in whom PABP developed 2 days postpartum. No PABP case associated with EC was found. PE was found in only one case in whom GHT occurred in a previous pregnancy. Moreover, GHT combined with GDM was found in a case with previous GHT. The recovery of PABP was satisfactory. Previous obstetric complications are associated with the current PE, GHT and GDM. Facial weakness recovers favorably regardless of treatment and the neonatal outcomes are overall satisfactory.