Chicago Birth Injury Lawyers

Facial Paralysis

Facial paralysis can result when the nerves in an infant’s face are damaged during birth. Although the majority of these injuries clear up over time without medical intervention, about 20% of infants with this injury may require surgery. Even with medical intervention, not all patients fully recover.

Causes of Facial Paralysis

Facial paralysis is generally associated with a difficult and prolonged birth. It is the result of extended pressure on the infant’s head during labor. It can have many different causes, and in many cases it is not even possible to determine an exact cause.

Natural causes of facial paralysis include health complications of the mother, larger than average babies, and certain conditions that can develop during pregnancy. It can also result from actions taken by medical professionals, including the use of forceps and complications from anesthesia.

Symptoms of Facial Paralysis

Facial paralysis can range from moderate to severe, depending on the extent of the nerve damage. It may extend down one entire side of the infant’s face, or only around the mouth and chin area.

It is generally apparent when a child is suffering from facial paralysis. Facial expressions will appear unusual and the eye on the affected side of the face may not close. Nerve damage around the mouth is especially noticeable when the infant cries.

Contact Us

If your child is suffering from facial paralysis as a result of a medical professional’s negligence, contact the Chicago birth injury attorneys Friedman & Bonebrake at 312-466-8200.