Facial Nerve Palsy

This is the same infant as the previous photo. When the baby is quiet, asymmetry in eyelid closing can more easily be seen. In this case, the baby was resting, so both lids should have been closed. Instead, the lid on the affected side is partially open. Involvement of both the eye and lip help differentiate facial palsy from other diagnosis, such as asymmetric crying facies.

photo by Janelle Aby, MD