What department should I register for facial neuritis?

Written by Liu Yan Hao
Neurology
Updated on June 19, 2025
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Patients with facial neuritis should make an appointment with the Department of Neurology and seek treatment there. Facial neuritis is caused by infection with neurotropic viruses, which invade the facial nerve and induce inflammation, manifesting as symptoms such as drooping of the mouth corners and facial paralysis. During the acute phase of treatment, it is necessary to use some neuro-nourishing drugs, and appropriate use of steroids can quickly relieve nerve edema and alleviate symptoms. Antiviral drugs can be used during the acute phase, and treatment can be supplemented with infrared radiation to promote local blood circulation. Additionally, after stabilization, most patients can combine acupuncture and physical therapy for treatment a week later. Usually, massaging the paralyzed facial area can promote blood circulation and help repair damaged nerves. (Please use medication under the guidance of a professional physician and do not self-medicate.)

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Written by Zhang Hui
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Does facial neuritis need treatment?

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 Liu Hong Mei
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Can facial neuritis be treated with hot compresses?

Facial neuritis can be treated with heat application, which can promote local blood circulation in the face and accelerate the repair of nerve functions. Patients with facial paralysis can control the water temperature at about 60°C during heat application, applying heat twice a day, each time for 10~15 minutes. It is important to prevent burns and treatments can also be combined with acupuncture and physiotherapy, which can nourish the nerves or use small doses of hormones. A light diet should be maintained, along with plenty of rest and adequate sleep. Avoid spicy, stimulating, excitatory foods, as well as raw, hard, and indigestible foods. Regularly eat fresh vegetables and fruits.

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Written by Zhang Hui
Neurology
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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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Written by Zhang Hui
Neurology
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How long does it take for facial neuritis to recover?

Facial neuritis, also known as idiopathic facial paralysis, generally has a good prognosis for most patients. Typically, treatment involves corticosteroids, supplemented with B vitamins, along with rehabilitative physiotherapy and local acupuncture. Most patients can recover within one to two months, and many do not experience any residual effects. However, if the facial nerve paralysis is particularly severe from the onset, and the patient is elderly with additional risk factors such as diabetes, recovery may be slower, possibly taking between two to eight months. Some patients may even suffer from some degree of lasting effects. Therefore, while most cases of facial neuritis recover well, usually within one to two months, more severe cases may need up to eight months or longer for recovery.

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Can facial neuritis patients eat beef?

Most patients with facial neuritis have a relatively good prognosis, as long as timely drug treatment is provided, along with some acupuncture rehabilitation and therapy training. Many patients will completely recover from their symptoms within one to two months, and most will not suffer from any long-term sequelae. There are no special dietary requirements for patients with facial neuritis, and they can eat beef. Beef contains rich, high-quality proteins that can boost the body's immune system and help prevent complications caused by facial neuritis, so it is permissible to eat beef. In addition, patients with facial neuritis should also consume more cereals because cereals are rich in B vitamins, which are beneficial for recovery. It is also advocated that patients eat plenty of fresh vegetables and fruits. Moreover, patients should avoid smoking, drinking alcohol, and consuming spicy and irritating foods, such as chili peppers.