Covid and Facial nerve paralysis in pregnancy

Facial nerve paralysis characterised by deviation of angle of the mouth to one side, drooling and incomplete eye closure can be a symptom of covid 19 illness. Covid virus is a neurotropic virus with a high affinity to ACE2 receptors which are expressed in the nervous system.

The prevalence of facial nerve palsy is increased in pregnant women especially in the third trimester of pregnancy. Some patients may not have any associated respiratory symptoms.

Once the other causes of nerve weakness are ruled out, it may be prudent to institute corticosteroid therapy along with facial exercises. The functional prognosis in facial paralysis appears to be worse in pregnant women in comparison with their non-pregnant counterparts.