Is facial neuritis the same as facial paralysis?

Written by Tang Bo

Neurology

Updated on August 31, 2024

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Facial neuritis can lead to facial paralysis, but facial paralysis can be divided into central facial paralysis and peripheral facial paralysis. Generally, facial paralysis caused by facial neuritis is peripheral facial paralysis. This means that there might be incomplete closure of the eyelids and deviation of the mouth corners. If central facial paralysis is considered, it generally does not lead to incomplete closure of the eyelids. Central facial paralysis is mainly caused by cerebrovascular diseases or other diseases of the brain or brainstem, whereas facial neuritis is due to damage to the facial nerve.

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Written by Zhang Hui

Neurology

1min 5sec

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Causes of facial neuritis

The etiology of facial neuritis is not very clear, but some views suggest that viral infections can cause edema of the facial nerve, leading to compression of the nerve and resulting in inflammation. Additionally, some nonspecific inflammatory responses can also lead to edema of the facial nerve, presenting some clinical manifestations of facial paralysis. Other high-risk factors for facial neuritis include diabetes, autonomic instability, rheumatoid immune diseases, lymphoma, etc. Therefore, it is evident that the mechanisms of facial neuritis onset are unclear, with potential causes including viral infections, diabetes, central nervous system lymphoma, or autonomic instability, all of which can lead to facial neuritis. The primary symptom of facial neuritis is paralysis of the facial muscles. With standard treatment, complete recovery generally occurs within one to two months. Facial neuritis caused by tumors tends to recur and requires heightened vigilance.

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Written by Zhang Hui

Neurology

55sec

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Does facial neuritis cause facial pain?

Facial neuritis is mainly caused by idiopathic facial nerve paralysis, which primarily manifests as paralysis of the facial muscles. Symptoms include deviation of the mouth, eyelid closure, lack of strength in opening the eyes, and shallowing of the nasolabial fold. Some patients' conditions are related to viral infections, which may cause facial pain. However, the pain is generally not very severe, and anti-viral medications can be used for treatment, which are somewhat effective. Additionally, active treatment of facial neuritis mainly involves the use of corticosteroids and is supported by the administration of B-group vitamins. Most patients, with timely and active treatment, have a relatively very good prognosis, with many experiencing no residual effects. (Please take medications under the guidance of a professional physician, do not self-medicate.)

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Written by Zhang Hui

Neurology

1min 11sec

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Symptoms of facial neuritis

Facial neuritis, known as idiopathic facial paralysis, is a common disease in neurology. The main clinical manifestations and symptoms include acute onset, peaking within several hours to days. The primary manifestation is paralysis of the expression muscles on the affected side of the face, such as diminished forehead wrinkles, inability to open the eye, furrow the brow, or weak eyelid closure. Some patients may experience pain behind the ear, and in the tympanic membrane and external ear canal. Additionally, some patients exhibit deviation of the mouth corner, air leakage when puffing or whistling, and difficulty retaining food residues while eating or leaking water while drinking. Other patients may experience loss of taste in the anterior two-thirds of the tongue, along with secretion disorders of the salivary and lacrimal glands. Overall, the diagnosis of facial neuritis is relatively straightforward, and its clinical presentation is not particularly complex. Once the diagnosis is confirmed, timely treatment is essential, and most patients can recover.

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Written by Zhang Hui

Neurology

51sec

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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.

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Written by Tang Bo

Neurology

54sec

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What should be paid attention to for facial neuritis?

Patients with facial neuritis usually have an acute onset, with facial nerve paralysis peaking within hours or days. It mainly manifests as paralysis of the facial expression muscles, disappearance of forehead lines, inability to frown, and incomplete closure of the eyelids. Therefore, patients with facial neuritis should pay attention to eye protection since the eyelids cannot close fully. Long-term exposure and drying of the cornea make it susceptible to infection. Therefore, it is necessary to wear an eye patch for protection or use some medicinal solutions to prevent infection and protect the cornea. Additionally, since there is a viral infection, patients should also avoid being chilled. In terms of diet, it is advisable to eat light food and avoid greasy, overly rich, or excessively spicy foods.