Facial Nerve Injuries in Birth: Causes, Diagnosis, and Treatment

Use these links to jump to different sections:

• What Are the Signs of Facial Paralysis in Newborns?
• What Are the Common Causes of Facial Nerve Damage During Birth?
• Can Facial Paralysis Be Prevented During Child Birth?
• What Complications Can Arise From Facial Paralysis in Newborns?
• What Are the Treatment Options for Facial Paralysis in Newborns?
• Can Legal Action Be Taken if a Birth Injury Causes Facial Paralysis?
• Seek Legal Assistance for Your Baby’s Facial Nerve Injuries

While congenital facial palsy can be alarming for new parents, it is usually a temporary condition. It is also a common one, as nerve damage is one of the most common birth injuries. However, the most common causes of facial nerve injuries can vary significantly. If you suspect medical malpractice, you may have a legal claim.

Understanding the causes of facial injuries and signs of permanent injury can help you identify a possible issue requiring a second opinion, treatment, and medical malpractice claim.

What Are the Signs of Facial Paralysis in Newborns?

Parents can identify possible facial nerve damage by looking for the signs. The seventh cranial nerve controls sensory and motor control functions in the head and neck. Babies with facial nerve damage can exhibit unilateral facial paralysis. They will have normal facial movements on one side of their face. On the affected side, they will have facial nerve paralysis. The facial weakness on one side results in asymmetrical facial expressions.

Sometimes, the child may experience tingling, pricking sensations, numbness, burning pain, or sensitivity to touch.

What Are the Common Causes of Facial Nerve Damage During Birth?

The possible causes of facial nerve palsy begin before delivery. A large baby, or if the mother gets an epidural, creates a risk to the baby. Both of these can create excessive pressure on the baby’s head when moving through the birth canal.

Viral infections can also cause facial nerve palsy. With the correct standards and procedures, healthcare professionals can prevent viral infections in neonates.

Finally, healthcare providers can be the ones that cause the nerve damage. Incorrect use of forceps or vacuum extractors can put excess pressure on the baby’s head. Paul Slager is a medical malpractice attorney at Silver Golub & Teitell in Stamford, Connecticut. “When there is a facial nerve injury, look for possible signs of the source of the cause,” he says. “Review medical records for signs of a traumatic birth, the devices that were used during pregnancy, how those devices were used, and bruising on the baby’s face and head.”

Parents [should] speak to a lawyer who specializes in birth injuries, as the statute of limitations is jurisdictional-specific and varies from state to state.

Can Facial Paralysis Be Prevented During Child Birth?

There is no way to guarantee that a baby will not experience any facial nerve palsy. Many of the common causes are preventable. However, sometimes, it happens just before or during delivery without a clear underlying cause.

One method for reducing facial nerve injury risk is identifying risk factors. A physical examination can reveal a large baby or a diabetic mother. A larger baby increases the risk of additional pressure on the cranial nerve as the baby moves through the birth canal. To prevent it, the doctor may recommend a C-section.

Other preventable causes include a long pregnancy, delayed delivery, use of an epidural, or the mother’s medication. A doctor should identify these risks and take the appropriate steps to prevent nerve injury.

What Complications Can Arise From Facial Paralysis in Newborns?

The potential complications can vary significantly because nerve injuries can impact everyone differently. Some children may experience weakness in their facial muscles. They won’t be able to control or move them. This condition is called Bell’s palsy, also called facial nerve palsy. This form of facial paralysis impacts one side of the face.

One of the most common nerve injuries is nerve damage to the lower part of the facial nerve. Babies with this type of injury will have numbness around the lips and could drool. Horner’s syndrome is a type of nerve injury that impacts the nerves in the neck and face. It causes the baby to have droopy eyelids or an inability to blink.

In rare cases, the baby may experience brain stem injury. This is a severe injury that can cause paralysis or even death.

What Are the Treatment Options for Facial Paralysis in Newborns?

Many facial nerve palsy cases will naturally make a complete recovery without treatment. Sometimes, the child will experience nerve damage that can have lifelong impacts. The treatment for a baby’s nerve injury will vary based on the type and severity of the nerve damage. Some children may require a nerve block procedure or corticosteroids to help manage the pain.

A baby may require occupational, desensitization, and physical therapy. These treatments help restore quality of life. In some cases, more intensive treatment is needed to restore nerve function. This could be a nerve graft or electrode stimulation.

A pediatric neurologist can diagnose the nerve injury and create a treatment plan to give the baby the best odds for a full recovery.

Can Legal Action Be Taken if a Birth Injury Causes Facial Paralysis?

Parents might be able to take legal action to seek compensation for their baby’s facial paralysis. To have a successful claim, there needs to be a direct connection between the healthcare provider’s breach of duty and the baby’s nerve injury. Not all nerve birth injuries are a result of medical malpractice.

Speaking with a birth injury lawyer can help you understand your legal rights. They will review medical records and consult medical experts. If you have a potential claim, they will explain your legal options.

Slager explains that parents shouldn’t wait if they suspect their baby suffered an injury due to medical malpractice. “In the state where I practice, Connecticut, parents have two years from when the injury was sustained or discovered. However, they cannot file after the child turns three.”

He also suggests, “Parents speak to a lawyer who specializes in birth injuries, as the statute of limitations is jurisdictional-specific and varies from state to state.” Some states extend the statute of limitations for birth injury medical malpractice cases. Other states have one statute of limitations timeline for parents but allow the child to file until they are 18.

Seek Legal Assistance for Your Baby’s Facial Nerve Injuries  

Having a newborn experiencing congenital facial paralysis can feel scary. Thankfully, medical and legal professionals are ready to provide valuable guidance. Not every facial nerve injury is a sign of medical malpractice. However, if your baby’s birth trauma is the result of healthcare professionals not performing their duty of care, the right lawyer can help you seek compensation.

Visit the Super Lawyers directory to search for a personal injury attorney who practices birth injury medical malpractice.