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Facial neuralgia
How many days can facial neuritis improve?
Facial neuritis is the most common disease causing peripheral facial palsy. Most patients reach the peak of their symptoms within one to two weeks and gradually start to recover around two weeks. However, some patients recover more slowly with severe symptoms, and it may take about a month to start improving. Facial neuritis presents as peripheral facial palsy; patients may experience changes or disappearance of forehead wrinkles, eye closure without strength, shallowing of the nasolabial fold, drooping of the mouth corners, and drooling among other clinical presentations. Some patients may also experience taste disorders. In terms of treatment, if there are no contraindications, the use of corticosteroids is advocated in the early stages. (Please medicate under the guidance of a professional physician)
Facial neuritis should be treated in the Department of Neurology.
Facial neuritis is a typical disease in the field of neurology, so it is necessary to register under the neurology department. Neurologists have rich experience in the diagnosis and differential diagnosis of facial neuritis. Essentially, facial neuritis is a non-specific inflammatory response of the body. Before the onset, the patient may have been exposed to viral infections or stimuli such as cold wind on the face, leading to paralysis in the facial nerve distribution area, such as weakened eyelid closure, shallower nasolabial folds, and deviations of the mouth corner with drooling. Additionally, patients may experience herpes in the external ear canal's eardrum, accompanied by a decrease in taste at the front of the tongue. Neurologists will treat patients with corticosteroids and B vitamins.
What department should I register for facial neuritis?
Patients with facial neuritis should make an appointment with the Department of Neurology and seek treatment there. Facial neuritis is caused by infection with neurotropic viruses, which invade the facial nerve and induce inflammation, manifesting as symptoms such as drooping of the mouth corners and facial paralysis. During the acute phase of treatment, it is necessary to use some neuro-nourishing drugs, and appropriate use of steroids can quickly relieve nerve edema and alleviate symptoms. Antiviral drugs can be used during the acute phase, and treatment can be supplemented with infrared radiation to promote local blood circulation. Additionally, after stabilization, most patients can combine acupuncture and physical therapy for treatment a week later. Usually, massaging the paralyzed facial area can promote blood circulation and help repair damaged nerves. (Please use medication under the guidance of a professional physician and do not self-medicate.)
Does facial neuritis cause the tongue to be crooked?
Patients with facial neuritis should not exhibit a crooked tongue, as the tongue is governed by the hypoglossal nerve, which is not directly related to facial neuritis. If a patient does have a deviated tongue when sticking it out, it’s crucial to consult a neurologist, undergo a cranial MRI to rule out any new cerebral infarction. Patients with facial neuritis mainly exhibit symptoms of peripheral facial palsy, such as deviation of the mouth, drooping of the mouth corners, drooling, and inability to blow cheeks or whistle. They may also experience a reduction or disappearance of forehead wrinkles, and may find it difficult to open or close their eyes. Prompt intervention and treatment are necessary.
The causes of facial neuritis are
Facial neuritis, the most common cause, is due to infection by the optic nerve virus. This virus invades the nerves, especially prone to invade the facial nerve, causing damage, inflammation, and edema of the facial nerve, leading to symptoms of facial paralysis, which are manifested as shallower forehead wrinkles, shallower nasolabial folds, widened palpebral fissures, incomplete eyelid closure, and the mouth corner deviating to the opposite side. In the acute phase of treatment, some drugs that reduce nerve edema can be used, along with drugs that nourish the nerves. After the acute phase, when the condition stabilizes, comprehensive treatments such as acupuncture and physiotherapy can be combined. Additionally, the cause of the disease is greatly related to the decrease in the body's immunity. Patients are more likely to become infected and develop symptoms of facial neuritis when their immunity is lowered due to staying up late, exhaustion, and irregular lifestyles. (Medication use should be done under the guidance of a professional doctor.)
Does facial neuritis need treatment?
Facial neuritis, also known as idiopathic facial paralysis, can self-heal in a minority of patients with very mild symptoms without treatment. However, for most patients, it is still recommended to seek treatment promptly as it involves a non-specific inflammatory response. Treatment mainly involves the use of corticosteroids to reduce inflammation and swelling of the facial nerve. Additionally, treatment with B vitamins such as commonly used B1 and vitamin B12 is necessary, as these can nourish the peripheral nerves. Furthermore, patients also need to undergo some physical therapy and rehabilitation training. (Please use medication under the guidance of a professional physician.)
How long does it take for facial neuritis to recover?
Facial neuritis, also known as idiopathic facial paralysis, generally has a good prognosis for most patients. Typically, treatment involves corticosteroids, supplemented with B vitamins, along with rehabilitative physiotherapy and local acupuncture. Most patients can recover within one to two months, and many do not experience any residual effects. However, if the facial nerve paralysis is particularly severe from the onset, and the patient is elderly with additional risk factors such as diabetes, recovery may be slower, possibly taking between two to eight months. Some patients may even suffer from some degree of lasting effects. Therefore, while most cases of facial neuritis recover well, usually within one to two months, more severe cases may need up to eight months or longer for recovery.
Facial neuritis should be seen in the Department of Neurology.
Facial neuritis is a type of cranial nerve disease and is one of the most common diseases in neurology. Therefore, appointments for facial neuritis should be made in the department of neurology. Neurologists have extensive experience in the diagnosis, differential diagnosis, and treatment of facial neuritis. This disease is mainly caused by idiopathic facial nerve palsy, resulting in edema of the facial nerve, which suffers from ischemia and hypoxia due to compression within the facial nerve canal, leading to functional impairment. Some patients may also experience hypersensitivity to sound, external auditory canal herpes, and taste disorders, among other symptoms. Neurologists will provide appropriate treatment based on the patient's condition, such as administering corticosteroids, and vitamins B1, B12, and others for management. Rehabilitation departments may also be consulted to provide rehabilitation exercises. (Please consult a professional doctor for medication guidance and do not self-medicate.)
Should one avoid certain foods with facial neuritis?
Patients with facial neuritis should still avoid certain foods during the acute phase. They should avoid alcohol, spicy and irritating foods, and preferably seafood as well. Consuming these foods may lead to immune dysfunction, which is detrimental to nerve recovery. Patients with facial neuritis are advised to eat plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables, which contain high levels of Vitamin C to enhance the body's resistance. They can also consume foods rich in B vitamins, such as whole grains, lean meats, and animal liver. For medication treatment, it is essential to treat promptly. If there are no contraindications, corticosteroids may be used under a doctor’s advice. (Please follow medical advice regarding medication.)
Clinical manifestations of facial neuritis
**Point One**: Patients with facial neuritis may exhibit clinical manifestations such as crooked mouth corners and shallower nasolabial folds. They may also experience water leakage while drinking, disappearance of forehead wrinkles, weakness in closing the eyes, and some patients may even sleep with their eyes open. **Point Two**: Patients might also experience taste disturbances, particularly noticeable in the anterior two-thirds of the tongue, and may also have secretion disorders of the salivary and lacrimal glands. **Point Three**: Some patients may experience hypersensitivity to sound, characterized by herpes on the tympanic membrane of the external auditory canal. Facial neuritis is a nonspecific inflammatory response, and treatment with corticosteroids can be effective.