Birth-Related Facial Nerve Damage
Facial nerve injuries are 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. When the facial nerve is damaged, the child may have difficulty closing their eye, moving their mouth, or making facial expressions. They may also have difficulty eating and drinking, and they may drool excessively. In some cases, the child may also experience hearing loss.
At Cullan & Cullan, our Phoenix facial nerve injury lawyers 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) 900-9483or contact us onlinetoday to schedule a free consultation with one of our facial nerve injury lawyers in Phoenix.
What Causes Facial Nerve Damage at Birth?
Facial nerve damage can occur when a doctor or other medical professional applies too much pressure to the baby’s face during delivery. It can also occur when the baby’s face is pulled too hard during delivery. In some cases, facial nerve injuries are caused by the use of forceps or vacuum extractors during delivery. These are both types of birth-assisting tools that are used to help guide the baby through the birth canal. When used improperly, they can cause serious harm to the baby.
Some common causes of facial nerve damage at birth include:
- Excessive pressure on the baby’s face during delivery
- Excessive pulling on the baby’s face during delivery
- Use of forceps or vacuum extractors during delivery
- Improper use of forceps or vacuum extractors during delivery
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 Birth-Related Facial Nerve Injury?
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.
Legal Rights for Birth Injury Facial Nerve Damage
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 injury attorneys 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 ustoday at (602) 900-9483 to learn how we can help you and your child.