The causes of facial neuritis are

Written by Liu Yan Hao
Neurology
Updated on May 28, 2025
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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 Feng Ying Shuai
Traditional Chinese Medicine
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Which part of the body is moxibustion applied for facial neuritis?

For facial neuritis, moxibustion on specific areas needs dialectical analysis. Apart from moxibusting local acupoints like Quanliao, Dicang, and Qianzheng for facial neuritis caused by exposure to wind, cold, and damp pathogens, one can dialectically choose distant or nearby acupoints, such as Fengchi, for moxibustion. For cases where facial neuritis has persisted for a long time accompanied by symptoms of physical weakness, such as fatigue and a pale complexion, it is effective to also perform moxibustion on acupoints like Zusanli and Guanyuan, in addition to the local points, to enhance the body's resistance. This approach tends to yield better results.

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Written by Zhang Hui
Neurology
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How is facial neuritis treated?

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 Li Min
Neurology
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Facial neuritis requires the use of steroids.

Bell's palsy, or facial neuritis, is caused by stimulation or viral infection of the facial nerves, leading to facial nerve paralysis. This generally refers to peripheral facial neuritis. Early treatment includes antiviral, anti-inflammatory, nerve nourishment, and free radical scavenging. Therefore, early treatment of facial neuritis requires steroid therapy, commonly using oral prednisone. The dosage is determined by body weight, at 1 milligram per kilogram, taken orally for a week, then discontinued. The next step in the treatment plan involves acupuncture and physical therapy. (Use of medications should be under the guidance of a doctor.)

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Written by Tang Ying
Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation
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Can facial neuritis heal by itself?

If it's a case of facial neuritis, generally very mild facial neuritis tends to heal on its own, but it takes time. Common symptoms of facial neuritis include incomplete eyelid closure and deviation of the mouth. More severe cases may even experience reduced taste and hearing. Under such circumstances, it is recommended that patients seek medical attention at a formal hospital as soon as possible to avoid delaying treatment. The best recovery period for facial neuritis is within three weeks; therefore, as time delays, the difficulty of recovery increases. Thus, we advise patients with particularly evident symptoms to seek medical care promptly.

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Written by Yuan Jun Li
Neurology
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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.)