Clinical Studies on 3 Cases of Bell's Palsy during Pregnancy

임신(姙娠) 중 구안괘사 환자 3례에 대한 임상적 고찰

Purpose: Bell's palsy is a peripheral facial palsy of unknown etiology. During pregnancy, there is an increased incidence of Bell's palsy. Due to the nature of pregnancy, it is unlikely to treat Bell's palsy during pregnancy. The purpose of this study is to report on 3 patients with Bell's palsy during pregnancy, who improved by oriental medical treatment. Methods: The patients who had Bell's palsy during pregnancy were treated with oriental medical treatment such as herbal medication and acupuncture therapy. House-Brackmann facial nerve grading system was used to estimate the efficacy of these treatments. Results: After the oriental medical treatment, the clinical symptoms of Bell's palsy during pregnancy were improved. Conclusion: This case study shows that the oriental medical therapy is effective in treating Bell's palsy during pregnancy. Further systematic studies and specific guidelines of Bell's palsy during pregnancy would be of much value.