Facial Nerve Palsy

This newborn was delivered by forceps assisted vaginal delivery. Although not visible in this photo, there were small abrasions present on the left lateral eyelid and anterior to the right ear. The right facial nerve is affected here. In an infant who is crying, the lower lip should be pulled down by the action of the facial nerve, but in this baby, the lip is pulled down only on the left and an asymmetry results. Spontaneous resolution is expected.

photo by Janelle Aby, MD