During childbirth, you rely on your doctors to ensure your safety and your baby’s safety. Unfortunately, birth injuries can happen due to the misuse of instruments during childbirth.
Out of 1000 live births, 10 infants will face injury to their facial nerve. This can happen when the physician uses forceps to aid in childbirth.
What are the signs of paralysis?
Most physicians notice facial paralysis immediately following childbirth. As your baby cries, there may be limited or no movement on one side of the face. You may see that your baby’s lower face and mouth appear uneven during crying. Severe cases involve no movement from the forehead to the chin.
Most of the time, doctors can diagnose a nerve injury through a basic physical examination. In rare cases, the doctor may order a nerve conduction test. A nerve conduction test tells him or her the exact location of the injury.
Is paralysis permanent?
A bruised nerve might heal on its own. You should see improvement in your baby within a few weeks. However, the infant might require surgery to repair the damaged nerve for torn nerves. Surgery can also ease the pressure on the nerve. Some babies do see full recovery within a few months.
Unfortunately, some babies have permanent paralysis on one side of their face. The muscles never move the same. For babies with permanent paralysis, doctors may suggest special therapy.
The birth of your baby should be one of the happiest moments of your life. If a doctor’s negligence causes paralysis, it can change your child’s future.
