BACKGROUND: Idiopathic facial (Bell's) palsy occurring during pregnancy or post partum is a rare disease. Reports regarding incidence, prognosis and associated risk factors are still inconsistent. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We performed a retrospective analysis of patients presenting with idiopathic facial palsy who had been treated in cooperation between obstetric and otorhinolaryngological departments (tertiary referral centers). The time of onset of paralysis, grading according to House and Brackman, treatment modalities and results were analyzed for the years 1999-2010. RESULTS: The incidence of Bell's palsy in pregnancy was 56 in 100,000 live births. Preeclampsia was reported in one case only. Therapy included prednisolone, methylprednisolone and/or pentoxifylline (up to 2005). All results were favorable (House-Brackman 1-2). CONCLUSION: The incidence of Bell's palsy in pregnancy within our cohort is not increased with regard to the international reports. Early treatment with corticosteroids in consultation with the treating obstetrician is indicated in both pregnant and post-partum patients to achieve optimal results.
BACKGROUND:Idiopathic facial (Bell's) palsy occurring during pregnancy or post partum is a rare disease. Reports regarding incidence, prognosis and associated risk factors are still inconsistent. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We performed a retrospective analysis of patients presenting with idiopathic facial palsy who had been treated in cooperation between obstetric and otorhinolaryngological departments (tertiary referral centers). The time of onset of paralysis, grading according to House and Brackman, treatment modalities and results were analyzed for the years 1999-2010. RESULTS: The incidence of Bell's palsy in pregnancy was 56 in 100,000 live births. Preeclampsia was reported in one case only. Therapy included prednisolone, methylprednisolone and/or pentoxifylline (up to 2005). All results were favorable (House-Brackman 1-2). CONCLUSION: The incidence of Bell's palsy in pregnancy within our cohort is not increased with regard to the international reports. Early treatment with corticosteroids in consultation with the treating obstetrician is indicated in both pregnant and post-partum patients to achieve optimal results.
Authors: Greg M Thaera; Kay E Wellik; David M Barrs; Erika D Driver Dunckley; Dean M Wingerchuk; Bart M Demaerschalk Journal: Neurologist Date: 2010-03 Impact factor: 1.398
Authors: Mats Engström; Thomas Berg; Anna Stjernquist-Desatnik; Sara Axelsson; Anne Pitkäranta; Malou Hultcrantz; Mervi Kanerva; Per Hanner; Lars Jonsson Journal: Lancet Neurol Date: 2008-10-10 Impact factor: 44.182