Does facial neuritis need treatment?

Written by Zhang Hui
Neurology
Updated on May 24, 2025
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Facial neuritis, also known as idiopathic facial paralysis, can self-heal in a minority of patients with very mild symptoms without treatment. However, for most patients, it is still recommended to seek treatment promptly as it involves a non-specific inflammatory response. Treatment mainly involves the use of corticosteroids to reduce inflammation and swelling of the facial nerve. Additionally, treatment with B vitamins such as commonly used B1 and vitamin B12 is necessary, as these can nourish the peripheral nerves. Furthermore, patients also need to undergo some physical therapy and rehabilitation training. (Please use medication under the guidance of a professional physician.)

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Written by Zhang Hui
Neurology
1min 2sec home-news-image

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
1min 7sec home-news-image

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
1min 6sec home-news-image

Can facial neuritis eat fish?

Patients with facial neuritis who are not allergic to seafood can eat fish. Fish contains a large amount of high-quality protein, which can supplement the essential proteins needed by the human body and improve the patient's physique. Patients can also eat other lean meats and poultry eggs, and consume plenty of fresh vegetables and fruits. If a patient develops facial neuritis, they should avoid spicy and stimulating food, such as hot peppers. Active treatment should also be pursued, including the early use of corticosteroids such as dexamethasone and prednisone, as well as drugs that nourish the nerves, commonly including B vitamins, vitamin B12, vitamin B1, and derivatives of B vitamins such as adenosylcobalamin and methylcobalamin. One week after the onset, acupuncture and physiotherapy can be considered, and many patients can be clinically cured. (Medication should be used under the guidance of a physician.)

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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 Zhang Hui
Neurology
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Does facial neuritis need treatment?

Facial neuritis, also known as idiopathic facial paralysis, can self-heal in a minority of patients with very mild symptoms without treatment. However, for most patients, it is still recommended to seek treatment promptly as it involves a non-specific inflammatory response. Treatment mainly involves the use of corticosteroids to reduce inflammation and swelling of the facial nerve. Additionally, treatment with B vitamins such as commonly used B1 and vitamin B12 is necessary, as these can nourish the peripheral nerves. Furthermore, patients also need to undergo some physical therapy and rehabilitation training. (Please use medication under the guidance of a professional physician.)