Idiopathic Peripheral Facial Palsy and Preclampsia: A Case Report

Abstract

During pregnancy, pre-eclampsia can be associated to idiopathic peripheral facial nerve palsy. It can be explained by similar physiopathological mechanisms. Facial palsy usually appears during the third trimester of pregnancy or in the early postpartum period. The prognosis is generally good and is not affected by the pregnancy. The occurrence of peripheral facial palsy during pregnancy should alert the obstetrician to look for a possible pre-eclampsia. We report a case of a patient with pre-eclampsia who developed idiopathic peripheral facial palsy during the third semester of pregnancy. Evolution was favorable, following treatment combining anti-hypertensive medication, corticosteroid therapy and ophthalmologic care.