AUTHOR=Lan Danchun , Deng Wenfei , He Kunze , Li Qian , Peng Xin , Lao Jinxiong , Li Ziyong 

TITLE=Acupuncture treatment of a pregnant patient with Bell's palsy in the third trimester: Case report

JOURNAL=Frontiers in Neurology

VOLUME=13

YEAR=2023

URL=https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/neurology/articles/10.3389/fneur.2022.1088138

DOI=10.3389/fneur.2022.1088138

ISSN=1664-2295

ABSTRACT=<p>At present, the optimal treatment for Bell's palsy remains controversial, and the combination of corticosteroids and antiviral medication is usually recommended in the early stage. However, treatment is often delayed because the effects of these drugs on pregnant women and fetuses are still unclear. As a safe and effective complementary alternative therapy, acupuncture can alleviate Bell's palsy symptoms and improve the quality of life of the patient. Herein, we report the clinical presentation of a 27-year-old woman with Bell's palsy who was 26 weeks pregnant at the time of diagnosis. After five courses of treatment, the patient made a complete recovery.</p>