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Birth Injury Lawyers Network
Injuries to baby: Facial Palsy
Facial palsy also known as Bells palsy is condition that involves the cranial nerve which when damaged results in the inability to control the facial muscles on the side which is affected.
The causes of facial palsy in relation to childbirth most of the time are unknown. However some of the causes can include a difficult delivery or forceps delivery. Other causes may include a large baby, use of epidural anaesthesia or Syntocinon (a hormone drip that increases the strength of contractions) infusion in labour. These can cause facial palsy as they exert pressure onto the facial nerves of the baby during labour or delivery.
Newborns suffering with facial palsy usually experience symptoms including no movement on the side of the face affected, face may appear uneven when crying or both sides of the mouth does not move simultaneously when crying.
Close monitoring of the baby will be required in the postnatal period to ensure the palsy is resolving. If the palsy does not improve or worsens then testing such as brain imaging may need to be utilised to detect any further possible complications. Fortunately, in the majority of cases, the palsy will rectify itself without need for treatment.
On occassions when facial palsy occurs it can be through poor management of a delivery. For instance when forceps are used they need to be applied correctly. If the forceps are applied in the incorrect place this can cause excessive pressure on the cranial or facial nerves thus potentially resulting in facial palsy occurring.
Our Lawyers specialise in birth injury claims including claims relating to facial palsy. They are considered to be the leading Lawyers in the field and have recovered substantial sums on behalf of victims of negligence at birth. Please contact us today to disucss your compensation claim with a specialist Lawyer.
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