Atlanta Facial Nerve Injury or Paralysis Attorney
There are many risks associated with natural childbirth. One of these is trauma to the seventh cranial nerve, which can cause facial nerve injury or even complete paralysis of a newborn’s face. A child who suffers from a facial nerve injury will not have complete control of their facial muscles, which is often first noticed in dropping lips and eyelids. The paralysis is typically most noticeable when an infant cries. If your child has been hurt, you may be entitled to compensation. Our Atlanta facial nerve injury or paralysis attorney can help you obtain maximum damages.
What Causes Facial Nerve Injuries?
A facial nerve injury can be caused by a number of things. The most common of these are as follows:
- Bell’s palsy: This condition causes the facial nerve to become inflamed. Although Bell’s palsy does not have a known cause, it has been linked to maternal infections, such as herpes. To prevent it from occurring, mothers should be screened for bacterial or viral infections so they can receive antibiotics that will prevent the infection from being transmitted to the fetus.
- Trauma to the head: An infant’s head can sustain significant trauma during the labor and birthing process. Excessive molding can occur if the infant’s head changes shape because of sustained pressure in the womb. Skull fractures can also occur, as well as excessive pressure being placed on the cranial nerve. Head trauma often occurs when doctors improperly use forceps while delivering the baby.
- Stroke: Ischemic strokes occur when a blood clot prevents proper blood flow to the brain. Hemorrhagic strokes occur when a blood vessel in a baby’s brain breaks. Either will result in significant harm to an infant, including facial nerve injury or paralysis.
Symptoms of Facial Nerve Injury or Paralysis
When a facial nerve injury is minor, it is often difficult to detect at birth. Often it is family members that notice it once the baby has left the hospital. Due to the fact that facial nerve injuries or paralysis can be a result of stroke, it is critical to look for symptoms associated with the injury so the child can receive treatment as soon as possible. Some of the most common symptoms of facial nerve injury or paralysis include:
- The child’s face is asymmetrical when they cry
- One side of the child’s face has little to no movement
- The baby’s eyelid sags or the child cannot control blinking in the affected eye
- The baby drools due to the fact that the child’s lip drops on the affected side
- The child has difficulty feeding
In the worst of cases, an infant’s face can suffer from permanent paralysis, which requires invasive and long-term medical treatment.
Call Our Facial Nerve Injury or Paralysis Lawyer in Atlanta for a Free Case Review
If you believe your child was hurt due to a preventable birth injury, you can hold the negligent medical professional responsible. At Carroll Law Firm, LLC, our Atlanta facial nerve injury or paralysis lawyer can guide you through the process of filing a medical malpractice case so you obtain the maximum damages that are rightfully yours. Call us now at 404-816-4555 or contact us online to schedule a complimentary consultation.
