Facial nerve palsy due to birth trauma: when to get help
Go through these in order and stop at the first one that applies. If you are reading this for someone else, answer for them.
1
Is any of this happening now?
Call 911
Call emergency services if the baby has trouble breathing, turns blue or very pale, has a seizure, is difficult to wake, becomes unusually floppy, or cannot feed because of choking or breathing problems.
These signs are not typical of an isolated facial nerve compression and need immediate assessment.
Other emergency signs, for anyone
Someone who is struggling to breathe, gasping, choking, or cannot get words out
Someone who has chest pain, tightness or pressure lasting more than a few minutes
Someone who has sudden weakness or drooping on one side of the face or body, slurred speech, or sudden confusion
Someone who is unconscious, or cannot be woken
Someone who is bleeding heavily and it will not stop with firm pressure
Someone who has had a seizure that will not stop, or does not wake up afterwards
Someone who has lips or skin that look pale, blue, grey or blotchy
Someone who you believe has taken an overdose or swallowed something poisonous
2
Is any of this happening?
Be seen today
Facial weakness in a newborn should be reported promptly to the maternity or paediatric care team, even if the baby otherwise appears well.
The eye, feeding, and nervous system need to be checked.
Seek prompt medical assessment if:
The baby cannot close one eye fully
The eye is red, cloudy, swollen, or producing discharge
Feeding is difficult, very slow, or repeatedly interrupted
The baby has fewer wet nappies or is not gaining weight
Facial weakness worsens or affects both sides
There is no improvement within the follow-up period given
New weakness or unusual movements develop elsewhere
Every sign above is quoted from the sofidex article on Facial nerve palsy due to birth trauma. If you are not sure, err upward — it is always reasonable to be checked.