Facial nerve palsy due to birth trauma is the loss of controllable (voluntary) muscle movement in an infant's face due to pressure on the facial nerves just before or at the time of delivery.
Alternative NamesSeventh cranial nerve palsy due to birth trauma
Causes, incidence, and risk factorsThe infant's facial nerve (also called the seventh cranial nerve) can be damaged just before or at the time of delivery.
Most of the time the cause is unknown. However, a difficult delivery, with or without the use of instruments called forceps, may lead to this condition.
Some factors that can cause birth trauma (injury) include:
However, most of the time these factors do not lead to facial nerve palsy or birth trauma.
SymptomsThe most common form of facial nerve palsy due to birth trauma involves only the lower part of the facial nerve. This area controls the muscles around the lips. The defect is seen mainly when the infant cries.
The newborn infant may have the following symptoms:
A physical exam is usually all that's needed to diagnose this condition. Rarely, a nerve conduction study is needed. Such a test can pinpoint the exact location of the nerve injury.
Brain imaging tests are not needed unless the health care provider suspects another problem (such as a stroke).
TreatmentIn most cases, the infant will be closely monitored to see if the paralysis goes away on its own.
Infants with permanent paralysis need special therapy.
Expectations (prognosis)The condition usually goes away on its own.
ComplicationsOccasionally the facial muscles on the affected side become permanently paralyzed.
Calling your health care providerThe health care provider will usually diagnose this condition while the infant is in the hospital. However, mild cases involving just the lower lip may not be seen at birth. A parent, grandparent, or other person may notice the problem later.
If the movement of your infant's mouth looks different on each side when he or she cries, you may want to call your health care provider.
PreventionThere is no way to prevent pressure injuries in the unborn child. The proper use of forceps and improved childbirth methods have reduced the rate of facial nerve palsy.
The Facial Nerve or Cranial Nerve VII is the nerve involved with Bell's Palsy.
The Facial Nerve or Cranial Nerve VII is the nerve involved with Bell's Palsy.
There is cerebal palsy and it is usually caused by birth trama. It is managed with PT and OT services. Bell's Palsy is an inflamation of the 7th cranial facial nerve with 90% of people making a full recovery.
Bell's Palsy is one. Dysfunctional cranial nerve causes partial facial paralysis
The nerve responsible for blinking is the facial nerve. If you are unable to blink, it could be due to damage or dysfunction of this nerve, which may result in a condition known as facial nerve palsy or Bell's palsy. Immediate medical attention is necessary if you experience sudden inability to blink.
NERVE PALSY. FOR Eg. Bells Palsy means weakness of Facial Nerve leading to paralysis of facial musculatureThat answer is not completely accurate. Nerve Palsy is a layman's term. The medical term is neurasthenia.
Any animal with a herpes infection can get Bell's Palsy.
Facial synkinesis can follow any injury or condition causing palsy or paralysis of the facial nerve. The most common associated disorder is Bell's palsy.
The correct spelling of the medical condition is Bell's Palsy (facial nerve dysfunction).
Surgery at young age, i.e. iatrogenic
No, it merely affects the trigeminal and/or facial nerve of the face.
Damage to the facial nerve (cranial nerve VII) can result in drooping of the mouth on one side, a condition known as facial paralysis or Bell's palsy. This nerve controls the muscles of facial expression, including those involved in smiling, frowning, and closing the eyes.