Symptoms of Post-Facial Nerve Neuritis

Written by Li Min
Neurology
Updated on September 02, 2024
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Facial nerve inflammation is caused by a viral infection due to a decrease in the body's resistance, leading to inflammation characterized by damage to the facial nerve. Its symptoms mainly include the lightening of the forehead wrinkles on the same side, incomplete closure of the eye, and drooping facial muscles due to lack of nerve support, resulting in facial nerve drooping which can cause symptoms such as skewed mouth corners, spilling while drinking, and drooling. Sequela depends on the symptoms of the disease, the timeliness of treatment, and the timeliness of recovery, but the ratio of symptomatic to asymptomatic cases is typically 50% and 50%. Young people, those with milder symptoms, those treated promptly, those treated appropriately, and those who recover well are less likely to suffer sequelae, and vice versa.

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What should I do if facial neuritis is accompanied by a fever?

Patients with facial neuritis who experience a fever with a body temperature above 38.5°C can undergo antipyretic treatment. They can take oral acetaminophen or ibuprofen, or receive intramuscular injections of Chaihu and Lysine Aspirin Injection. Simultaneously, antiviral medications should be used, such as ribavirin, oseltamivir, ganciclovir, and acyclovir, etc. It is also crucial to actively use medications that nourish the nerves, such as oral vitamin B1, vitamin B12, cobamamide, and methylcobalamin. During the acute phase, corticosteroids, which also have a certain antipyretic effect, can be used to reduce local edema and promote the absorption of inflammation. Dexamethasone and prednisone are commonly used clinically, and the medication period should generally not exceed two weeks, etc. (Medication should be used under the guidance of a physician.)

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Is facial neuritis prone to recurrence?

For idiopathic facial neuritis, this is a nonspecific inflammatory reaction caused by an immune function disorder of the body. The probability of recurrence of this disease is not particularly high. Patients should pay attention to exercising and enhancing their physical fitness. During the onset of the disease, treatment with corticosteroids, B vitamins, etc., should be given, and the prognosis is generally good with a very low recurrence rate. However, it should be noted that sometimes facial paralysis may be caused by other diseases, such as some tumors, especially malignant lymphomas, whose initial symptoms might affect the facial nerve, causing repeated paralysis. Clinically, when seeing patients with repetitive facial neuritis, it is crucial to consider the possibility of such diseases to avoid missed diagnoses. (Medication should be used under the guidance of a doctor.)

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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.

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Can facial neuritis be cured?

Facial neuritis is a relatively common disease in neurology. It is mainly caused by viral infection or other nonspecific inflammatory reactions, leading to local inflammation of the facial nerve, which results in edema of the facial nerve and clinical manifestations caused by compression within the facial nerve canal. The main symptoms include shallower furrows on the affected side of the forehead, weakness in opening and closing the eyes, drooping and skewing of the mouth corner, drooling, weakness in puffing the cheeks, and air leakage when puffing the cheeks. Most patients with facial neuritis have a good prognosis, as long as the diagnosis is clear and appropriate treatment is administered in a timely manner, such as treatment with corticosteroids and B vitamins. If it is caused by a viral infection, appropriate antiviral treatment is given, and most patients can fully recover in about three months. If the condition is severe at the onset, or if the patient has risk factors such as diabetes, the prognosis is not very good. Overall, most people with facial neuritis recover well.

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Can facial neuritis eat fish?

Patients with facial neuritis who are not allergic to seafood can eat fish. Fish contains a large amount of high-quality protein, which can supplement the essential proteins needed by the human body and improve the patient's physique. Patients can also eat other lean meats and poultry eggs, and consume plenty of fresh vegetables and fruits. If a patient develops facial neuritis, they should avoid spicy and stimulating food, such as hot peppers. Active treatment should also be pursued, including the early use of corticosteroids such as dexamethasone and prednisone, as well as drugs that nourish the nerves, commonly including B vitamins, vitamin B12, vitamin B1, and derivatives of B vitamins such as adenosylcobalamin and methylcobalamin. One week after the onset, acupuncture and physiotherapy can be considered, and many patients can be clinically cured. (Medication should be used under the guidance of a physician.)