Facial Paralysis from Birthing Trauma

Our facial expressions allow us to communicate with the rest of the word without saying a single word. We are able to smile when we are happy and frown when we are upset. But for some children, this ability is taken from them at birth, often due to the negligent actions of a doctor. Facial paralysis is a serious condition that can be caused by some level of trauma during the birthing process. Sadly, this type of injury can permanently deprive a child of the ability to share his or her smile with the world.

What is facial paralysis?

Facial paralysis, sometimes referred to as facial palsy, occurs when pressure is placed on the facial nerve just prior to or at the time of birth. The condition causes the infant to lose voluntary muscle movement of the facial muscles. It differs from congenital facial palsy because the injury occurs at or around the time of birth, instead of during the pregnancy.

One of the most common causes of infant facial paralysis is the use of forceps during delivery. These large, stainless steel tools resemble salad tongs. They have curved ends that are meant to cradle the baby’s head during removal from the birth canal. While many of these deliveries are performed without incident, our skilled Memphis birth injury lawyers know that a significant number of these procedures end with injuries to the infant’s head and/or shoulders. If the doctor handles the forceps incorrectly, he may place too much pressure on the baby’s head and might cause injury to the facial nerve. While the paralysis often resolves itself within the first few months of life, some children are forced to deal with the effects of this birth injury for a lifetime.

Signs and treatment of birth injury facial paralysis

Signs of facial paralysis are usually noticed before the child leaves the hospital. Some of the most common symptoms include:

• Uneven areas below the eyes
• Failure of one eyelid to blink or close completely
• Minimal movement on one side of the face
• Corners of the mouth appear uneven when crying

Pediatricians tend to delay treatment of the condition in hopes that it will clear up on its own. If the problem persists, treatment plans may include surgery or physiotherapy to improve range of motion in the face.

If you suspect that your child’s facial paralysis resulted from the negligent actions of your physician, turn to Bailey & Greer, PLLC for legal assistance you can trust. We have offices in Memphis and Jackson, and we serve clients throughout West Tennessee. To learn more, please call 901-680-9777 or complete a contact form.