Can facial neuritis heal by itself?

Written by Tang Ying
Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation
Updated on September 03, 2024
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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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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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The difference between facial neuritis and facial nerve paralysis

The difference between facial neuritis and facial nerve paralysis is that facial neuritis refers specifically to peripheral facial paralysis, while facial nerve paralysis is a broader concept. It includes peripheral facial palsy caused by facial neuritis, as well as central facial palsy caused by cerebrovascular diseases. Therefore, the two have different clinical concepts and symptoms. Facial neuritis can involve paralysis of the entire facial muscles, including the disappearance of forehead lines and the shallowing of the nasolabial fold below the eye slit, as well as deviation of the mouth corner. Facial nerve paralysis, in addition to the symptoms caused by facial neuritis, may also include central facial palsy caused by cerebrovascular diseases. Central facial palsy does not affect the facial muscles above the eye slit, but only causes paralysis of the facial muscles below the eye slit, including shallowing of the nasolabial fold and deviation of the mouth corner. Therefore, facial nerve paralysis is a more extensive concept.

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Written by Zhang Hui
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Causes of facial neuritis

The etiology of facial neuritis is not very clear, but some views suggest that viral infections can cause edema of the facial nerve, leading to compression of the nerve and resulting in inflammation. Additionally, some nonspecific inflammatory responses can also lead to edema of the facial nerve, presenting some clinical manifestations of facial paralysis. Other high-risk factors for facial neuritis include diabetes, autonomic instability, rheumatoid immune diseases, lymphoma, etc. Therefore, it is evident that the mechanisms of facial neuritis onset are unclear, with potential causes including viral infections, diabetes, central nervous system lymphoma, or autonomic instability, all of which can lead to facial neuritis. The primary symptom of facial neuritis is paralysis of the facial muscles. With standard treatment, complete recovery generally occurs within one to two months. Facial neuritis caused by tumors tends to recur and requires heightened vigilance.

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Written by Zhang Hui
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Nursing Measures for Facial Neuritis

Facial neuritis is a nonspecific inflammatory response of the facial nerve, which can cause paralysis of the facial expression muscles. Patients may exhibit symptoms such as crooked mouth, drooling, incomplete eye closure, and a shallower nasolabial fold. The nursing measures for facial neuritis mainly include: First, it is essential to protect the eyes. Since some patients with facial neuritis may experience reduced tear gland secretion, their eyes can become very dry, and it is advisable to use eye drops. Additionally, some patients may not be able to fully close their eyes, allowing dust and viruses to easily infect the cornea and cause keratitis. It is necessary to cover the eyes with a moist gauze, especially during sleep at night. Second, patients should avoid spicy and irritating foods and adhere to a bland diet. Third, it is important to keep the face warm, and it is best for patients to wear a mask. (Note: The doctor's answer is for reference only. Please use medication under the guidance of a professional physician and do not self-medicate.)

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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.