How is facial neuritis best treated?

Written by Tang Bo
Neurology
Updated on September 13, 2024
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The treatment of facial neuritis primarily aims to improve local blood circulation, alleviate facial nerve edema, relieve nerve compression, and promote the recovery of nerve function. Therefore, its treatment includes medication, which mainly nourishes the nerves, and may also involve antiviral drugs and corticosteroids. Physiotherapy, particularly post-acute phase, can include acupuncture or infrared radiation and local heat application. Eye protection is also necessary because patients with facial neuritis may not be able to fully close their eyelids, leaving the cornea exposed and susceptible to infection. Finally, rehabilitation treatment includes acupuncture, which is also part of the mentioned physiotherapy.

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Written by Tang Li Li
Neurology
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How to Treat Facial Neuritis

Bell's palsy, once diagnosed, needs to be treated as early as possible, with better outcomes the earlier treatment is started. If the patient does not have any significant contraindications, corticosteroids should be used in the early stages. Common treatments include oral prednisone, typically for about ten days, or dexamethasone intravenous infusion, typically for about five to seven days. Alongside anti-inflammatory corticosteroids, nerve nourishment can be addressed with muscle injections of vitamin B1 and vitamin B12, and patients with better economic conditions can also use mouse nerve growth factor for muscle injection nerve nourishment. Additionally, if the patient has significant pain behind the ear, indicating a possible viral infection, concurrent treatment with acyclovir antiviral therapy should be administered. Later, if recovery is poor, rehabilitative treatment can be provided, including electro-acupuncture physical therapy, infrared magnetic heating, etc., all of which can promote the recovery of Bell's palsy. The overall treatment course approximately takes about 20 days, with total recovery time ranging from 20 days to two months. (Note: Medication should be used under the guidance of a physician, based on the actual conditions.)

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Written by Zhang Hui
Neurology
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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.)

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Written by Tang Bo
Neurology
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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.

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Written by Li Min
Neurology
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Facial neuritis requires the use of steroids.

Bell's palsy, or facial neuritis, is caused by stimulation or viral infection of the facial nerves, leading to facial nerve paralysis. This generally refers to peripheral facial neuritis. Early treatment includes antiviral, anti-inflammatory, nerve nourishment, and free radical scavenging. Therefore, early treatment of facial neuritis requires steroid therapy, commonly using oral prednisone. The dosage is determined by body weight, at 1 milligram per kilogram, taken orally for a week, then discontinued. The next step in the treatment plan involves acupuncture and physical therapy. (Use of medications should be under the guidance of a doctor.)

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Written by Zhang Hui
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Nursing measures for facial neuritis

The treatment of facial neuritis, in addition to some pharmacological treatments including corticosteroids, B vitamins, and antiviral medications, also requires some rehabilitative physiotherapy training. On the other hand, nursing measures also play an important role in the recovery from facial neuritis. The nursing measures for facial neuritis mainly include: First, it is essential to soothe the patient's emotions. Patients with facial neuritis often become quite depressed and may experience anxiety and depression. Nursing work must be thorough, including explanation and reassurance. Only when the patient's emotions are stable, can they cooperate with the treatment. The second nursing measure is to advise patients not to consume spicy and irritating foods. Third, it is important to keep the face warm, and patients can wear masks. Fourth, it is crucial to take good care of the eyes, as patients with facial neuritis often have difficulty closing their eyes, which can easily lead to eye infections. Eye drops can be administered to the patient.