Member Comments are provided by individuals and reflect their personal opinions only. Under NO circumstances should you act on any advice or opinion posted in this forum.  ALWAYS check with your personal physician before taking any action regarding your health! MedHelp International and our partners, sponsors and affiliates have no obligation to monitor any comments posted on this site, or the content and/or accuracy of such exchanges. MedHelp International does not endorse the views of any user.
 | 

Facial palsy from epidural??

by caroline747, Jul 27, 2009 01:00PM
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
Member Comments (2)

by Abijac, Jul 28, 2009 07:58AM
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

by caroline747, Jul 28, 2009 11:52PM
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.

Post Comment
To
Comment
Post Comment
Recent Activity
peaches84 joined this community
Welcome them!
1 hr ago
AndrewEckhardt added the Anxiety/Panic Tracker
1 hr ago
Fluffysmom feeling better...
back to work.
2 hrs ago by kl42
April2 commented on Prayer needed
3 hrs ago
Elf_1977 commented on Tramadol & Ultram...
3 hrs ago
Pinkmonki commented on Tramadol & Ultram...
3 hrs ago
selmaS Merry Christmas and Happy New Year !!!
RSS Expert Activity
When Your Cold Is Not A Cold
9 hrs ago by Steven Y Park, MD
Cataract, Removal, Artificial Lens,...
23 hrs ago by Jim Humphries, B.S., D.V.M.
7 Ways to Reduce Stress During the ...
Dec 07 by Steven Y Park, MD
Community Members