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 Yuan Jun Li

Neurology

1min 10sec

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Does facial neuritis cause vomiting?

Patients with facial neuritis generally do not experience vomiting. The main symptoms in patients are paralysis of the facial expression muscles around the eyes and mouth, which may present with the disappearance or lightening of the wrinkles on the affected side of the forehead, enlarged eye slits, incomplete eyelid closure, and exposure of the white sclera when attempting to close the eyes. Additionally, flattening of the nasolabial fold may occur, as well as reduced or lost taste sensation in the anterior two-thirds of the tongue. Patients may have symptoms such as a crooked mouth when whistling, air escape when puffing cheeks, and food retention on the affected side during meals, which increases the risk of oral infections and conjunctivitis. If vomiting occurs, other causes should be actively considered, such as the possibility of high blood pressure or electrolyte imbalance like hyponatremia. Dietary indiscretion could also be a cause, necessitating a comprehensive analysis.

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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 Tang Bo

Neurology

56sec

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What causes facial neuritis?

Facial neuritis, also known as idiopathic facial nerve paralysis or Bell's palsy, is caused by nonspecific inflammation of the facial nerve inside the cranial foramen, leading to peripheral facial paralysis. The exact cause is currently unknown, but it is thought to possibly be related to viral infections of the optic nerve, as well as potentially due to exposure to cold or upper respiratory tract infections. The mechanism of onset involves the bony facial nerve canal, which can only accommodate the facial nerve. However, if the facial nerve becomes ischemic and swollen, it will inevitably lead to nerve compression. Viral infections can lead to local autoimmune responses in the nerves and spasms of the nutrient vessels, resulting in ischemic swelling and facial nerve paralysis.

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Written by Li Min

Neurology

49sec

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Can you take a bath with facial neuritis?

Bell's palsy is caused by a decrease in the body's resistance, leading to damage in the face following viral infection and the resultant cleaning. This results in a series of clinical symptoms primarily on the affected side of the face. Therefore, regarding the symptoms of Bell's palsy, whether in the acute phase or during recovery, bathing generally poses no major issue. However, in the acute phase, some treatments recommend antiviral and anti-inflammatory therapies, along with diets aimed at eliminating free radicals, and the application of topical plasters, which generally should not be exposed to water. If the plasters become wet, their effectiveness may be minimal or nullified. Therefore, personal circumstances should be considered.

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Written by Yuan Jun Li

Neurology

59sec

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How to determine if facial neuritis is cured?

Patients with facial neuritis, if the paralysis of the facial expression muscles returns to normal, are generally considered cured. After the onset of the disease, patients must receive early and timely treatment. Corticosteroids such as dexamethasone, prednisone, and methylprednisolone can be used, along with B vitamins to nourish the nerves. Commonly used are vitamin B1, vitamin B12, adenosylcobalamin, and methylcobalamin, among others. One week after the onset, acupuncture treatment can be considered, as well as massage, physical therapy, and heat therapy. Most patients begin to recover two weeks after treatment, and basically return to normal within two months, with a minority possibly experiencing certain sequelae, such as facial muscle spasms or remaining facial muscle paralysis. (The use of medications should be under the guidance of a physician.)