Bell's Palsy Unmasked: A Compelling Case Study of Facial Nerve Palsy During Pregnancy

Dharmesh J Patel1, Kamlesh Chaudhari1, Deepti Shrivastava1

  • 1Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Jawaharlal Nehru Medical College, Datta Meghe Institute of Higher Education and Research, Wardha, IND.

Cureus
|January 31, 2024
PubMed

Facial paralysis occurs more frequently in pregnant individuals, affecting them two to four times more often than those who are not pregnant, making it the most frequent unilateral cranial nerve pathology in pregnancy. This case report describes a 29-year-old primigravida's presentation, examination, and treatment of left-sided (unilateral) facial nerve palsy during 32 weeks of gestation. Concerns regarding possible underlying reasons were raised when the patient suddenly developed left-side facial weakness. We examined her history, clinical assessment, and diagnosis methods, which included laboratory and neuro-imaging tests. The difficulties of managing this illness during pregnancy are explored, taking into account the well-being of the developing fetus and mother. There are several causes for facial nerve palsy during pregnancy, including idiopathic causes, vascular problems, and viral infections. Here, we emphasize the value of a multidisciplinary approach comprising obstetricians, neurologists, and other medical professionals to guarantee the best possible care. The paper also underscores the necessity for prompt diagnosis and suitable interventions to reduce problems and foster a successful outcome. This case report adds to the limited literature on facial nerve palsy in pregnancy by highlighting individualized medical care and teamwork in addressing this uncommon but serious condition.

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