Facial palsy from epidural??

[caroline747]

11 years ago I had an epidural for child birth. The epidural didnt work and was topped up twice. The anethesist had left for lunch and was called back as the fluid was leaking from my back. When he returned he was very flustered and immediately re cited the epidural. The next morning I woke with one side of my face paralysed. I was immediately diagnosed with bells palsy and given steriods for a number of days. After that I was sent to ENT which told me again it must be bells palsy. 11 years on there is some recovery although not complete. I still have slow reactions on one side of my face.
The day after the epidural the anethesist came to inquire how I was with a member of my family and made himself scarce as soon as he was advised that I had facial paralysis. I do not believe that I have bells palsy but instead suffered nerve trauma after the epidural being cited in the wrong place. I would like some advice on whether I am correct or not. I have done research for years into this but only as a lay man (No medical experience) and it seems that research suggests that I could be correct. Can anyone advise why this happened, if it can be fixed so late on if I am right in my personal conclusions?

Many Thanks

[Abijac]

I too have had nerve issues immediately following the birth of my first child (I got bells palsy 2 days after birth)
that was 3 1/2 years ago
I am going to go see a neurologist soon.  If I find anything I will let you kknow but it does seem odd considering it started right after the birth (and I had an epidural as well) and they had to place it twice

[caroline747]

There is a definate link between facial palsy and epidural. I subscribed to a medical journal and found research done which connects them. There is damage to the 7th cranial nerve, which is swollen through pregnancy due to csf( spinal fluid) leaking. If you want a link to the research let me know.