Treatment:

In most cases, the infant will be closely monitored to see if the paralysis goes away on its own.

Infants with permanent paralysis need special therapy.

Expectations (prognosis):

The condition usually goes away on its own.

Complications:

Occasionally the facial muscles on the affected side become permanently paralyzed.

Calling your health care provider:

The health care provider will usually diagnose this condition while the infant is in the hospital. However, mild cases involving just the lower lip may not be noticed at birth. A parent, grandparent, or other person may notice the problem later.

If the movement of your infant's mouth looks different on each side when he or she cries, you should make an appointment with your child's health care provider.