How is facial neuritis treated?

Written by Zhang Hui
Neurology
Updated on April 12, 2025
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Facial neuritis is generally prone to occur in patients with immune dysfunction, with factors such as viral infections and some patients may be related to cold stimulation from air conditioning or fans on the face. The treatment of facial neuritis mainly includes the following aspects: First, glucocorticoid treatment should be given. Glucocorticoids play a very important role in the treatment of facial neuritis. They can reduce abnormal inflammatory responses and swelling of the facial nerve, which greatly helps the patient's recovery. Second, some B vitamins should be given to nourish the nerves. If the condition is caused by viral infection, antiviral medication should also be provided. In addition, some rehabilitation training is particularly important, and it is recommended that patients receive early physiotherapy and functional training for facial muscles.

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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 Zhang Hui
Neurology
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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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Written by Yuan Jun Li
Neurology
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How to determine if facial neuritis is cured?

Patients with facial neuritis, if the paralysis of the facial expression muscles returns to normal, are generally considered cured. After the onset of the disease, patients must receive early and timely treatment. Corticosteroids such as dexamethasone, prednisone, and methylprednisolone can be used, along with B vitamins to nourish the nerves. Commonly used are vitamin B1, vitamin B12, adenosylcobalamin, and methylcobalamin, among others. One week after the onset, acupuncture treatment can be considered, as well as massage, physical therapy, and heat therapy. Most patients begin to recover two weeks after treatment, and basically return to normal within two months, with a minority possibly experiencing certain sequelae, such as facial muscle spasms or remaining facial muscle paralysis. (The use of medications should be under the guidance of a physician.)

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Written by Zhang Hui
Neurology
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Is facial neuritis inflammation?

Bell's palsy is essentially an inflammatory reaction, but this inflammation is a nonspecific type. It also exhibits the typical inflammatory symptoms of redness, swelling, heat, and pain. However, this inflammation is not caused by direct infection from viruses, bacteria, or fungi. Since Bell's palsy is an inflammatory condition, its treatment must include corticosteroids for management. Additionally, administration of B vitamins is necessary to promote nerve function recovery. Moreover, targeted rehabilitation exercises, acupuncture, and local physiotherapy from the rehabilitation department also play a vital role in the recovery from Bell's palsy. Generally, with proper and timely treatment, Bell's palsy can fully recover, and most patients will not experience any impact on their future quality of life. However, if the symptoms of Bell's palsy are very severe, and the patient has a history of diabetes, the prognosis may be poorer.

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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.