Facial Nerve Palsy
Michigan and Co-Counsel Nationwide
Facial Nerve Palsy
Facial Nerve Palsy or weakness may occur during birth just like a brachial plexus injury or Erb’s Palsy. This type of injury can be caused from trauma during birth or it may be a congenital condition that developed during the pregnancy. The most common traumatic facial nerve palsy is a result of forceps delivery. Other factors associated with traumatic facial nerve palsy are similar to the risk factors for brachial plexus injury and Erb’s Palsy, a large infant and mal-position in the birth canal.
Infants with Facial Nerve Palsy may have asymmetric facial expression, trouble with feeding, and the eyelids may not close. Facial Nerve Palsy can result in speech problems, feeding difficulty and lack of facial expression. Traumatic Facial Nerve Palsy may be accompanied by bruising on the affected side of the face.
Traumatic birth injuries generally resolve on their own over time. If a facial nerve palsy is determined not to be congenital and persists after one year of age, the infant will require medical care which may include surgery.
Treatment for Facial Nerve Palsy begins upon discovery of the injury. The infant needs to be monitored to ensure adequate food intake, growth and development. An ophthalmologist will need to be seen to ensure that there are no corneal abrasions. Eye drops and ointment are required until the eyelid regains function. As the child ages, speech therapy and physical therapy may be required.