title: Bell's facial nerve palsy in pregnancy: a clinical review.
abstract: Bell's facial nerve palsy (FNP) during pregnancy and the puerperium can present significant challenges for the patient and clinician. Presentation and prognosis can be worse in this group of patients. This article reviews the background, manifestation and management options of FNP. In particular, it focuses on the controversies that exist regarding corticosteroid use during pregnancy and outlines approaches to diagnosis and treatment. Based on this review, we recommend an early evidence-based approach using guidelines derived from non-pregnant populations. This includes assessment for atypical causes, a multidisciplinary input and early introduction of corticosteroids to limit progression and improve prognosis.
authors.affiliation: a Corneoplastic Unit , Queen Victoria Hospital NHS Foundation Trust , East Grinstead , UK.
authors.forename: Ahsen
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Hussain
authors.affiliation: b Department of Plastic Surgery , Queen Victoria Hospital NHS Foundation Trust , East Grinstead , UK.
authors.forename: Charles
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Nduka
authors.affiliation: c Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology , Maidstone & Tunbridge Wells NHS Trust , Kent , UK.
authors.forename: Philippa
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Moth
authors.affiliation: a Corneoplastic Unit , Queen Victoria Hospital NHS Foundation Trust , East Grinstead , UK.
authors.forename: Raman
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Malhotra
mesh_terms: D000305:Adrenal Cortex Hormones / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D020330:Bell Palsy / Q000150:complications / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000628:therapy*; D018450:Disease Progression; D015352:Dry Eye Syndromes / Q000209:etiology; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D049590:Postpartum Period; D011247:Pregnancy; D011248:Pregnancy Complications / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000628:therapy*; D011263:Pregnancy Trimester, Third; D012307:Risk Factors
chemical_list: D000305:Adrenal Cortex Hormones
keywords: Pregnancy; corticosteroid; facial; nerve; palsy; paralysis