Anaesthetic management of pregnant patient with Bell’s palsy for emergency lower segment caesarean segment- A case report

Abstract

Bell’s palsy is unilateral, idiopathic palsy of seventh cranial nerve with partial or complete weakness of one half of face. Risk factors include pregnancy, preeclampsia, diabetes, hypertension and obesity. In pregnancy it is more common in third trimester and puerperium. Increase in total body water by fluid retention leading to local oedema and nerve pressure may be the etiological factor for bell’s palsy in pregnancy. Obstetric indication must be the identifier for mode of delivery and anaesthesia as mode of delivery has not shown any effect on prognosis and development of Bell’s palsy. There is no evidence of viremia and no signs of meningitis in patients of Bell’s palsy so spinal anaesthesia can be given safely