Joel Embiid’s Facial Paralysis Discovery Sparks Discussion on Maternal Health: Understanding Perinatal Mood, Anxiety, and Depression

Philadelphia 76ers star Joel Embiid recently scored an impressive 50 points in the NBA Playoffs. However, his outstanding performance was not the main topic of conversation during the postgame press conference. Instead, Embiid’s left eye was not blinking, and his face was drooping. He revealed to reporters that he had been diagnosed with Bell’s palsy the week before.

Bell’s palsy is a neurological disorder and the most common cause of facial paralysis, according to the National Institutes of Health (NIH). Dr. Deepak Nair, the director of ambulatory and virtual neurology services at OSF HealthCare, explained that the signs of Bell’s palsy and stroke can sometimes appear identical. He emphasized the importance of a face-to-face evaluation by a medical provider for an accurate diagnosis. People with Bell’s palsy may also experience heightened sensitivity in hearing and loss of taste sensation on one side of the tongue.

The direct cause of Bell’s palsy often remains unknown, but Dr. Nair noted that it can be triggered by acute viral infections like skin herpes lesions or shingles lesions in the ear. The discussion then shifted to maternal health, specifically perinatal mood, anxiety, and depression (PMAD). Tiffany Waters, a birthing center charge nurse at OSF HealthCare, highlighted the need for close attention to mental health during pregnancy and after childbirth.

Waters explained that being a new mom can be stressful and lead to symptoms like brain fog, crying, sleep disturbances, compulsive behaviors, and even suicidal thoughts. PMAD is influenced by a combination of psychological, societal, and biological factors. Resources such as support groups, counseling, spiritual care, medication