The signs of recovery from Bell’s palsy consist of the symptoms slowly going away. You may notice this occurring in as little as two weeks, according to the University of Rochester Medical Center.
Signs that your baby is recovering from Bell’s palsy may include:
- More movement in facial expressions
- The face being more symmetrical
- The eye being able to close better
- Twitching (although could indicate a problem)
- A reduction in a drooping eye and mouth
- The cheek looking fuller
- Facial muscles working together
Recovery may depend on the severity of your infant’s facial paralysis. Bell’s palsy can be diagnosed on a grading system with one being mild and six being severe. Bell’s palsy can also be partial or complete.
If your child was diagnosed with a low-grade partial facial paralysis, then the odds are good for recovering, and you may see improvement within a few weeks from the onset of symptoms. On the other hand, if your child was diagnosed with a high-grade partial or complete facial paralysis, then it may take longer to recover if even at all.
The good news is about 70% of facial paralysis cases in children do recover from their symptoms, according to the World Journal of Clinical Cases. You may see a full recovery in about six months. It is important to watch for clues of your child’s progression. If none are being observed, it may be time to take a different approach.
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When Your Newborn Is Showing No Signs of Recovery From Bell’s Palsy
If you have waited long enough and see no signs of improvement with your infant’s symptoms, then you may want to see a doctor. Your doctor can assess your child’s condition and come up with plans, options, and recommendations on how you can fix or manage the problems associated with Bell’s palsy. He may even order a few tests to rule out some other conditions that could be causing facial paralysis in your newborn.
Treatment or management of Bell’s palsy may consist of the following:
- Taking steroids orally to reduce inflammation
- Administering artificial eye drops
- Placing an eye patch over the eye
- Stitching the eyelid shut
- Taking or applying pain relievers
- Going to physical therapy
- Undergoing decompression surgery
- Reconstructive surgery
Your child may be too little to do some of these. Additionally, some may be more risky than effective in a newborn. Discuss all and any options with your doctor and understand any side effects. Weigh the pros and cons and come up with a plan that you feel is best for your child.
As your child grows older and reviewing your experience of things that have and have not worked, you may want to explore more treatment or management options for Bell’s palsy. You may want to ask your child if they are comfortable with the treatments you are trying or if they would like to try an alternative method.
For example, some people have tested different treatment options, such as acupuncture, electrical stimulation, and vitamin therapy. They have not been federally approved or medically proven to have an impact, but some people find it effective. With that said, it is good to keep your options open.
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What To Expect if Your Child Has To Live With Bell’s Palsy
It may be an uphill battle to find out that your child may be living with Bell’s palsy for the rest of their lives. It is not an easy pill to swallow. You can expect a lot of work ahead of you. Learning, communicating, and self-esteem may be an extra challenge in your child’s future.
You may want to write down a routine to help you and your child stay on track of their treatment or management plan. Join forums or groups of other parents dealing with the same issues so that you and your child will not have to feel alone. You may also find you learn more about Bell’s palsy through other families. Seek out a speech therapist and, when it comes time, look into special education classes that may shine a more positive light on your child.
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Seeking Legal Help for a Birth Injury That Caused Bell’s Palsy
If your child is not showing signs of recovery from Bell’s palsy and you believe it is stemming from an injury at birth, you may be able to pursue a lawsuit claiming medical negligence. Call the law office of the Birth Injury Lawyers Group to schedule your consultation today to discuss your legal rights: (800) 222-9529.
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