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Childbirth can be a very complicated process that exposes
a baby and a mother to physical harm. Birth injuries can
commonly be suffered and range in severity. Facial paralysis
is a condition caused by compression of the facial nerves.
In some difficult deliveries facial paralysis is just an
unfortunate result of the birthing process, while some
facial paralysis has occurred for no apparent reason.
The facial paralysis can be suffered while the infant
is still inside of the uterus or while being delivered.
Depending on the extent of the compression, the facial
paralysis can affect the entire side of the infant's face
from the forehead to chin.
Most commonly, facial paralysis will involve just the
lower branch of the facial nerve that controls muscles
around the lips. A doctor and parents will be able to recognize
if there is lower branch facial paralysis when the infant
cries probably since the condition is more apparent then.
Since facial paralysis is damaged nerve fiber and not
torn, the infant should completely heal from facial paralysis.
If affected, the baby's facial paralysis should be noticeable
right after birth. Normal expressions will be displayed
differently and sometimes the baby's eyelid on the affected
side will not close.
There are some preexisting conditions, as well as certain
factors that have been identified to increase the risk
of birth trauma. Since conditions such as facial paralysis
can be the result of birth trauma, it is important to identify
and decrease risk of suffering birth injuries. Prolonged
pregnancies and labor, epidural anesthesia, labor inducing
drug use, and larger babies have all been associated to
higher risk of birth trauma. While many of these factors
are not commonly associated to facial paralysis, extra
caution should be implemented when applicable.
For more information on facial paralysis, please contact
us. Some birth injuries may have been
prevented. Make sure you understand your legal rights
and options.
Additional Information on Facial Paralysis:
The Bobby R. Alford Department of Otorhinolaryngology and Communicative Sciences -Facial Paralysis.
Management of Facial Paralysis after Intracranial Surgery
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