Idiopathic facial paralysis (Bell's palsy) in the immediate puerperium in a patient with mild preeclampsia: a case report.
BACKGROUND
Idiopathic peripheral facial palsy is the most common and frequent unilateral cranial neurological disorder characterized by an isolated facial nerve paralysis.


METHODS
We report a case of an idiopathic facial paralysis (Bell's palsy) in the immediate puerperium in a patient with mild preeclampsia and diagnosed fetal IUGR. Additionally, the presence of Bell's palsy in the puerperium of the mother of our patient suggests a familiar tendency.


CONCLUSIONS
Every gynaecologist and obstetrician should be aware of this quite uncommon complication during pregnancy and the puerperium. This case report illustrates that Bell's palsy can occur in the immediate post-partum after mild preeclamptic symptoms. For these women, a maternal surveillance can be recommended. A fast and accurate diagnosis with a subsequent immediate treatment might be very important in avoiding worsening of the symptoms and therefore improve the recovery prognosis.
Mylonas
Ioannis
I
First Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Ludwig-Maximilians-University Munich, Maistrasse 11, 80337 Munich, Germany. ioannis.mylonas@med.uni-muenchen.de
Kästner
Ralph
R
Sattler
Christina
C
Kainer
Franz
F
Friese
Klaus
K
D000212:Acyclovir / Q000031:analogs & derivatives / Q000627:therapeutic use; D000328:Adult; D020330:Bell Palsy / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000503:physiopathology; D002585:Cesarean Section; D002610:Cheek / Q000503:physiopathology; D005260:Female; D005938:Glucocorticoids / Q000627:therapeutic use; D006801:Humans; D008775:Methylprednisolone / Q000627:therapeutic use; D010890:Pirenzepine / Q000627:therapeutic use; D049590:Postpartum Period; D011225:Pre-Eclampsia / Q000503:physiopathology*; D011247:Pregnancy; D013997:Time Factors; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D000077483:Valacyclovir; D014633:Valine / Q000031:analogs & derivatives / Q000627:therapeutic use
D005938:Glucocorticoids; D010890:Pirenzepine; D014633:Valine; D000077483:Valacyclovir; D000212:Acyclovir; D008775:Methylprednisolone