Birth-Related Facial Nerve Damage
Facial nerve palsy, also known as Bell's palsy, is a common type of birth injury. The facial nerve is responsible for controlling the muscles of the face, and when it is damaged, the child may experience facial paralysis. In some cases, the paralysis is temporary, but in others, it is permanent.
At Cullan & Cullan, our Phoenix facial nerve palsy attorneys are committed to helping families affected by birth injuries. We understand the challenges you are facing, and we are here to provide the compassionate, personalized legal guidance you need.
Our attorneys have extensive experience handling complex birth injury cases, and we have a proven track record of success. We are prepared to fight for you and your child.
Call (602) 900-9483 or contact us online today to schedule a free consultation with one of our Bell's palsy lawyers in Phoenix.
What Causes Facial Nerve Damage at Birth?
While some cases are unavoidable, facial nerve palsy can also result from medical negligence during labor and delivery.
Common causes of facial nerve palsy due to birth trauma include:
- Improper use of forceps or vacuum extractors: One of the leading causes of facial nerve palsy during birth is the misuse of delivery tools such as forceps or vacuum extractors. These tools are sometimes used to assist with difficult deliveries, but when applied with excessive force or positioned incorrectly, they can put undue pressure on the baby’s face and facial nerves, leading to nerve damage.
- Excessive force during delivery: In cases where the baby is stuck in the birth canal or experiences shoulder dystocia, medical professionals may apply too much force when pulling the baby out. This can stretch or compress the baby’s facial nerves, especially during prolonged or difficult labor.
- Failure to perform a timely C-section: In some cases, medical staff may fail to recognize signs of fetal distress or the potential for birth complications, such as a large baby or breech presentation. If a C-section is not performed in a timely manner, a prolonged vaginal delivery can increase the risk of facial nerve damage due to excessive pressure on the baby’s face during labor.
- Prolonged labor and delivery: Extended labor can increase the risk of facial nerve palsy, especially if the baby is in a position where the head is compressed against the birth canal for too long. Failure to intervene when labor is not progressing appropriately can result in nerve damage.
- Mismanagement of shoulder dystocia: Shoulder dystocia occurs when the baby’s shoulders become stuck behind the mother’s pelvic bone during delivery. In efforts to free the baby, improper maneuvers or excessive force can compress the facial nerves, especially if the medical team is not following appropriate delivery protocols.
When facial nerve palsy is caused by medical negligence, it can result in lasting complications for the newborn. If your child has experienced facial nerve palsy during birth due to improper medical care, you may have the right to pursue a claim for compensation through a medical malpractice lawsuit.
What Are the Symptoms of Newborn Facial Nerve Injury?
Facial nerve injuries can cause a wide range of symptoms in newborns. In some cases, the symptoms are immediately apparent, while in others, they may not become apparent until the child is a few months old.
If you notice any of the following symptoms in your newborn, you should seek medical attention right away:
- Facial paralysis
- Difficulty closing the eye on the affected side of the face
- Difficulty moving the mouth on the affected side of the face
- Difficulty making facial expressions
- Difficulty eating and drinking
- Excessive drooling
- Hearing loss
Facial nerve injuries can be diagnosed through a physical examination. In some cases, additional tests may be needed to determine the extent of the damage.
How Are Facial Nerve Birth Injuries Treated?
The treatment for a facial nerve birth injury will depend on the severity of the damage. In some cases, the damage is temporary, and the child will recover on their own within a few weeks or months. In other cases, the damage is permanent, and the child will require ongoing treatment.
Some common treatments for facial nerve birth injuries include:
- Physical therapy
- Occupational therapy
- Speech therapy
- Medication
- Surgery
Physical therapy, occupational therapy, and speech therapy can all help improve muscle strength and function. Medication may be used to help manage pain and other symptoms. In some cases, surgery may be needed to repair the damaged nerve.
What Is the Prognosis of Facial Nerve Palsy?
The prognosis of a birth-related facial nerve injury will depend on the severity of the damage. In some cases, the damage is temporary, and the child will make a full recovery within a few weeks or months. In other cases, the damage is permanent, and the child will require ongoing treatment.
In these cases, the child may have difficulty eating and drinking, and they may drool excessively. They may also have difficulty closing their eye, moving their mouth, or making facial expressions. In some cases, the child may also experience hearing loss.
Cullan & Cullan Is Here to Advocate for You
When a baby suffers a facial nerve injury at birth, the family may be entitled to compensation. The compensation can help cover the cost of medical treatment, physical therapy, and other expenses. It can also help provide for the child’s future needs.
However, birth injury cases can be complex, and it can be difficult to prove that the doctor or other medical professional was at fault. That’s why it’s important to have an experienced birth injury lawyer on your side.
At Cullan & Cullan, our Phoenix facial nerve palsy lawyers have extensive experience handling complex birth injury cases. We know how to gather the evidence needed to prove that the doctor or other medical professional was at fault, and we know how to build a strong case on your behalf. We will fight to help you recover the full, fair compensation you are owed.
Contact us today at (602) 900-9483 to learn how we can help you and your child.