Facial palsy from epidural??

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.

[pinklion]

I've had facial palsy since birth, I'm sorry you've had to deal with that.  Unrelated to that though, I had a badly positioned epidural with my first child and they sent like an electric shock through one leg and it has not been the same since.  I definitely think they can do nerve damage with these epidurals.

[concernedbigsis30]

My little sister ( in her 30's) gave birth to a beautiful baby girl. She had an epidural and became very swollen after. Four days later my sister had paralysis on one side of her body. Her doctor is telling her it's due to stress of having a newborn and a two yr old at home. My niece shortly after her birth had to be rushed to the hospital. She became ill. She has recovered but the cause is unknown. (another stress factor) Can anyone help me? I feel my sister's dr has misdiagnosised her. She is receiving steroids to help her recover. Her right side of her face has not recovered.