Facial nerve palsy due to birth trauma

Definition

This condition describes facial paralysis caused by pressure on the facial nerves while an infant is inside the uterus or being delivered.

Alternative Names

Causes

Damage to the facial nerve (also called the seventh cranial nerve) just before or at the time of delivery may cause paralysis to the same side of the face stimulated by the damaged nerve. The entire side -- from the forehead to the chin -- may be involved in severe cases.

The most common form involves only the lower branch of the facial nerve. This nerve controls the facial muscles surrounding the lips, and the defect is seen predominantly when the infant cries.

Since the facial muscles on the affected side are weak, the mouth is pulled towards the normal side during crying. Generally, the nerve has been damaged by pressure and the nerve fiber itself has not been torn, in which case, the injury heals and the face returns to normal over a few weeks to months.

Most of the time, a congenital (present from birth) facial nerve palsy one has no identifiable cause. Occasionally, however, a difficult delivery, with or without the use of forceps (instruments used by physicians to facilitate the delivery of the baby´s head), may result in facial paralysis.

Some factors are associated with birth trauma, including prolonged pregnancy, epidural anesthesia, prolonged labor, oxytocin use (a medication used to induce labor and increase the strength of contractions of the uterus during labor), and large baby size (for instance, when the mother suffers from diabetes). However, most mothers who have these factors do not deliver babies with facial palsy or birth trauma.

Symptoms

These may be observed in the newborn infant:

• Present immediately after birth
• Failure of the lower lip to pull down symmetrically while crying (typical)
• Failure of any movement on the affected side of the face (total involvement, unusual)
• Eyelid may not close on affected side
• Lower face (below eyes) appears asymmetrical while crying

Exams and Tests

Physical examination is usually sufficient to diagnose this condition. Rarely, a nerve conduction study with electromyogram is needed. This test can pinpoint the location of the nerve injury.

Brain imaging techniques are not needed, unless another problem (such as a stroke) is suspected.

Treatment

In most cases, observation to see if the paralysis will disappear is the only treatment. Permanent paralysis requires special therapy.

Outlook (Prognosis)

Full, spontaneous recovery is the typical outcome.

Possible Complications

Permanent paralysis of facial muscles on the affected side occasionally occurs.

When to Contact a Medical Professional

This condition is generally diagnosed while the infant is in the hospital. Mild cases involving just the lower lip may escape observation and later be noticed by a parent, grandparent, or other visitor.

If your infant's mouth does not look symmetrical when he or she cries, you may want to call your health care provider to have the problem diagnosed and rule out other conditions.

Prevention

Good obstetrical technique and the proper use of forceps have reduced the incidence of facial nerve palsy. There is no prevention for pressure injuries that occur to the unborn child.

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