Bell’s Palsy Lawyer Houston, TX
Bell’s Palsy Lawyer Houston, TX 
Bell’s palsy is a sudden, partial paralysis or weakness on one side of the face. While it often shows up in adults, infants and children can also suffer from the condition. In most cases, the condition goes away on its own, but there are some children who have paralysis for the rest of their lives. If your baby has developed Bell’s palsy and you suspect that it was negligence on the part of your doctor or other medical professional during delivery, contact the personal injury law firm of John K. Zaid & Associates to speak with a Bell’s palsy lawyer Houston, TX families trust.
How Does Bell’s Palsy Develop in Infants?
It is believed that when an infant develops Bell’s palsy, the nerve that controls the facial muscles becomes inflamed or swollen. This prevents the nerve from sending messages to the facial muscles. Other nerves can also be affected, including those that control saliva, taste, and tears.
Some people assume that an infant who develops Bell’s palsy must have been deprived of oxygen for too long during labor and/or delivery. This is not the case. While the exact cause of the condition is not known, multiple studies have suggested that Bell’s palsy is caused by the herpes virus and that virus is then passed from the mother to the baby. There have also been studies that suggest that the condition is linked somehow to the common cold, flu, and other upper respiratory infections.
Given the research and what is known about the condition, a birth injury lawyer Houston, TX clients recommend knows that Bell’s palsy is preventable as long as doctor’s take the steps to ensure that any maternal infections, including the herpes virus, is not passed to the baby from its mother. Failure to do could mean the infant develops the painful and dangerous condition.
What Are the Symptoms of Bell’s Palsy?
Babies with Bells’ palsy will have a droopiness or signs of paralysis to one side of their face. They may also have some of the following symptoms:
- Difficulty closing the eye on the affected side of the face
- Difficulty smiling
- Drooling
- Headache
- Loss of taste
- One-sided smile
- Pain around the jaw
- Sensitivity to sound and/or pain near the ear
How Is the Condition Diagnosed?
If you notice any of the above symptoms, contact your child’s pediatrician right away. They will likely be able to see the symptoms right away and will conduct diagnostic tests to confirm. The pediatrician will test the baby’s hearing, sight, and sensory perception. Depending on the case, the doctor may also order an MRI or CT scan to determine how the nerves are sitting in the muscles, as well as an Electroencephalogram (EEG) to see if the nerves are functioning properly.
Call Our Office Today
If your baby has developed Bell’s palsy and you suspect malpractice, contact John K. Zaid & Associates today. We will schedule a free and confidential consultation with a Houston, TX bell’s palsy lawyer and discuss what your legal options may be.
