Does facial neuritis need treatment?

Written by Zhang Hui
Neurology
Updated on September 12, 2024
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Bell's palsy is a nonspecific inflammatory reaction, primarily caused by impairment of the facial nerve leading to paralysis of the facial muscles. In general, if the symptoms of Bell's palsy are mild, such as slight drooping of the corner of the mouth and drooling, there is a possibility for spontaneous recovery. However, if the symptoms of Bell's palsy are severe, and the patient also has risk factors for diabetes, these symptoms mainly include noticeably shallower forehead wrinkles, weakness in opening and closing the eyes, inability to close the eyes while sleeping, and very severe facial paralysis. In such cases, spontaneous recovery is difficult, and active treatment is required. Treatment mainly includes corticosteroid drugs and B vitamins, along with some rehabilitative training. In summary, Bell's palsy can resolve on its own if the symptoms are mild; however, if the symptoms are severe, timely treatment is necessary to avoid lasting effects.

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Written by Tang Bo
Neurology
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How is facial neuritis best treated?

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 Zhang Hui
Neurology
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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 Li Min
Neurology
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What should be paid attention to with facial neuritis?

Bell's palsy is caused by a decrease in the body's resistance, resulting in damage to the facial nerve. This damage presents clinically as symptoms of viral infection. Therefore, precautions should be based on its cause and clinical symptoms. In terms of causes, patients should enhance their resistance, engage in more physical exercise, consume foods that eliminate free radicals, and enhance their diet with high-quality protein. When going out, avoid cold exposure, wind, and re-infection. In terms of treatment, patients should adhere to medical advice and take oral medications on time. Additionally, after treatment, rehabilitation should be emphasized to prevent residual symptoms. Thus, the symptoms of Bell's palsy involve a range of conditions.

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Written by Zhang Hui
Neurology
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Symptoms of facial neuritis

The clinical symptoms of facial neuritis mainly manifest as peripheral facial paralysis, such as the patient's affected side having shallower forehead wrinkles, or disappearing wrinkles, weakened eyelid closure, and in some severe cases, the inability to close the eyes, which can easily lead to corneal damage. There is also noticeable drooping of the mouth corner, a shallower nasolabial fold, and leaking while drinking. The affected individuals are unable to whistle or puff their cheeks. Some patients may also experience disorders in the secretion of salivary and lacrimal glands, taste disturbances at the anterior part of the tongue, and a few may have herpes zoster in the external auditory canal or periosteum with significant pain. The treatment for facial neuritis generally involves the use of corticosteroids.

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Written by Zhang Hui
Neurology
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Facial neuritis hormone treatment

If the diagnosis of facial neuritis is confirmed, and the patient does not have evident history of femoral head necrosis or diabetes, then it is advocated to treat facial neuritis with corticosteroids. Corticosteroids can suppress some of the inflammatory responses of facial neuritis, reduce edema, and facilitate the swift recovery of facial nerve function. The current guidelines recommend the use of corticosteroids for treatment. However, if the patient has conditions like elevated blood sugar, femoral head necrosis, osteoporosis, or gastric ulcers, the use of corticosteroids must be cautious to avoid adverse reactions. During the administration of corticosteroids, it is crucial to ensure the patient receives supplements of calcium and potassium to prevent electrolyte disturbances and osteoporosis. Besides corticosteroids, intake of B vitamins can also aid in promoting the repair of nerve functions.