Nursing measures for facial neuritis

Written by Zhang Hui
Neurology
Updated on February 22, 2025
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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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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.

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Written by Liu Yan Hao
Neurology
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The causes of facial neuritis are

Facial neuritis, the most common cause, is due to infection by the optic nerve virus. This virus invades the nerves, especially prone to invade the facial nerve, causing damage, inflammation, and edema of the facial nerve, leading to symptoms of facial paralysis, which are manifested as shallower forehead wrinkles, shallower nasolabial folds, widened palpebral fissures, incomplete eyelid closure, and the mouth corner deviating to the opposite side. In the acute phase of treatment, some drugs that reduce nerve edema can be used, along with drugs that nourish the nerves. After the acute phase, when the condition stabilizes, comprehensive treatments such as acupuncture and physiotherapy can be combined. Additionally, the cause of the disease is greatly related to the decrease in the body's immunity. Patients are more likely to become infected and develop symptoms of facial neuritis when their immunity is lowered due to staying up late, exhaustion, and irregular lifestyles. (Medication use should be done under the guidance of a professional doctor.)

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Written by Tang Bo
Neurology
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What should be paid attention to in daily life with facial neuritis?

If facial neuritis occurs, one should pay attention to eye care. Due to facial neuritis, eyelid closure may be incomplete, potentially allowing foreign objects or infections to enter the eye. Therefore, it is advisable to reduce outdoor activities, keep the eyes clean, and during social interactions, cover the affected eye with an eye patch or apply ophthalmic ointment to prevent conjunctival or corneal infections, while minimizing eye use. Regarding diet, some patients may experience disturbances in taste, so it is important to be mindful of the temperature of food, avoid hard food, and maintain oral hygiene.

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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 Zhang Hui
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Should one avoid certain foods with facial neuritis?

Patients with facial neuritis should still avoid certain foods during the acute phase. They should avoid alcohol, spicy and irritating foods, and preferably seafood as well. Consuming these foods may lead to immune dysfunction, which is detrimental to nerve recovery. Patients with facial neuritis are advised to eat plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables, which contain high levels of Vitamin C to enhance the body's resistance. They can also consume foods rich in B vitamins, such as whole grains, lean meats, and animal liver. For medication treatment, it is essential to treat promptly. If there are no contraindications, corticosteroids may be used under a doctor’s advice. (Please follow medical advice regarding medication.)