New York Birth Injury: What is Facial Nerve Palsy?
Facial nerve palsy is a condition in which the patient loses the ability to voluntarily control the muscles in their face. It may be caused by birth trauma if improper pressure is put on the seventh cranial nerve, also known as the facial nerve, before or during delivery, according to the National Institutes of Health (NIH).
A difficult delivery may result in facial nerve palsy, especially if forceps are used. Some cases of facial nerve palsy also involve the use of epidural anesthesia or medications to induce labor, but these medications do not usually cause facial nerve palsy, according to the NIH.
Symptoms of facial nerve palsy include an eyelid that may not close, a mouth that does not turn down evenly on either side, or a complete lack of movement on one side of the face. Typically, the muscle weakness or paralysis is easiest to see when the baby is crying. A physician can usually diagnose facial nerve palsy with a physical exam, but in some cases, doctors will order a nerve conduction study to figure out exactly which nerve is damaged.
Many infants born with facial nerve palsy heal on their own. In some cases, however, the facial nerve may be irreparably damaged and the facial muscles may become paralyzed. These children often need specialized therapy to help them maximize the use of their facial nerves and muscles.
If you suspect a birth injury caused your child’s facial nerve palsy, please don’t hesitate to contact the experienced New York birth injury attorneys at Wingate, Russotti & Shapiro. We will examine your case carefully and help you get the compensation you and your child deserve. To schedule a free and confidential consultation, call 212-986-7353 today.
