Nursing Measures for Facial Neuritis

Written by Zhang Hui
Neurology
Updated on February 16, 2025
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Facial neuritis is a nonspecific inflammatory response of the facial nerve, which can cause paralysis of the facial expression muscles. Patients may exhibit symptoms such as crooked mouth, drooling, incomplete eye closure, and a shallower nasolabial fold. The nursing measures for facial neuritis mainly include: First, it is essential to protect the eyes. Since some patients with facial neuritis may experience reduced tear gland secretion, their eyes can become very dry, and it is advisable to use eye drops. Additionally, some patients may not be able to fully close their eyes, allowing dust and viruses to easily infect the cornea and cause keratitis. It is necessary to cover the eyes with a moist gauze, especially during sleep at night. Second, patients should avoid spicy and irritating foods and adhere to a bland diet. Third, it is important to keep the face warm, and it is best for patients to wear a mask. (Note: The doctor's answer is for reference only. Please use medication under the guidance of a professional physician and do not self-medicate.)

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Written by Tang Bo
Neurology
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Facial neuritis should visit which department?

Facial neuritis should be treated by the Department of Neurology, but after the acute phase, physiotherapy can be performed at the Rehabilitation Department. Facial neuritis is caused by non-specific inflammation of the facial nerve within the stylomastoid foramen, leading to peripheral facial paralysis. The exact cause is currently unclear, but it is believed to be related to optic nerve viral infections. It usually occurs after exposure to cold and upper respiratory infections, and can occur at any age, most commonly between 20 and 40 years, with a higher incidence in males than females. It starts acutely, peaking within a few hours or days, mainly presenting as paralysis of the facial expression muscles, disappearance of forehead lines, inability to frown or wrinkle the forehead, and inability to close the eyelids or incomplete closure. Therefore, during the acute phase, treatment in the Department of Neurology is necessary, and rehabilitation treatment can be sought after the acute phase in the Rehabilitation Department.

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Written by Tang Bo
Neurology
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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 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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What department should I go to for facial neuritis?

Facial neuritis is a nonspecific inflammatory response of the facial nerve, which causes paralysis of the facial nerve, leading to paralysis of the facial muscles it controls. Facial neuritis is treated in the neurology department of many hospitals, so registration for facial neuritis should be done under neurology. Neurologists will make necessary diagnoses based on the patient's clinical symptoms, then prescribe relevant auxiliary examinations to rule out other conditions, such as facial neuritis caused by Guillain-Barre syndrome, and exclude facial paralysis caused by cranial ocupations. Additionally, some hospitals' maxillofacial surgery departments also treat facial neuritis, so one could also visit maxillofacial surgery for treatment. Overall, facial neuritis is primarily managed in neurology departments, though in some hospitals, it can also be managed in neurosurgery departments. Treatment for facial neuritis mainly involves administration of corticosteroids and B vitamins, such as vitamin B1, B6, and B12.

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Written by Yuan Jun Li
Neurology
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Does facial neuritis cause fever?

Bell's palsy can cause fever, usually a low-grade fever. When the body temperature is between 37°C and 38°C, it is generally referred to as low-grade fever. The primary cause of Bell's palsy is viral infection. Patients may also exhibit symptoms such as eye fissures, paralysis of the facial expression muscles of the upper and lower face, disappearance of forehead creases, enlargement of the eye fissures, incomplete eyelid closure, showing white sclera when the eyes are closed, shallowing of the nasolabial folds, deviation of the mouth corners, air leakage when whistling, air escaping when puffing cheeks, loss or reduction of taste in the anterior two-thirds of the tongue, and difficulty in retaining food on the affected side when eating. Patients are prone to developing oral inflammation and conjunctivitis. Early and proper treatment after the onset is crucial, and most patients can achieve clinical cure after treatment.