How to Treat Facial Neuritis

Written by Tang Li Li
Neurology
Updated on September 25, 2024
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Bell's palsy, once diagnosed, needs to be treated as early as possible, with better outcomes the earlier treatment is started. If the patient does not have any significant contraindications, corticosteroids should be used in the early stages. Common treatments include oral prednisone, typically for about ten days, or dexamethasone intravenous infusion, typically for about five to seven days. Alongside anti-inflammatory corticosteroids, nerve nourishment can be addressed with muscle injections of vitamin B1 and vitamin B12, and patients with better economic conditions can also use mouse nerve growth factor for muscle injection nerve nourishment. Additionally, if the patient has significant pain behind the ear, indicating a possible viral infection, concurrent treatment with acyclovir antiviral therapy should be administered. Later, if recovery is poor, rehabilitative treatment can be provided, including electro-acupuncture physical therapy, infrared magnetic heating, etc., all of which can promote the recovery of Bell's palsy. The overall treatment course approximately takes about 20 days, with total recovery time ranging from 20 days to two months. (Note: Medication should be used under the guidance of a physician, based on the actual conditions.)

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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 Tang Bo
Neurology
48sec home-news-image

Is facial neuritis the same as facial paralysis?

Facial neuritis can lead to facial paralysis, but facial paralysis can be divided into central facial paralysis and peripheral facial paralysis. Generally, facial paralysis caused by facial neuritis is peripheral facial paralysis. This means that there might be incomplete closure of the eyelids and deviation of the mouth corners. If central facial paralysis is considered, it generally does not lead to incomplete closure of the eyelids. Central facial paralysis is mainly caused by cerebrovascular diseases or other diseases of the brain or brainstem, whereas facial neuritis is due to damage to the facial nerve.

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Written by Tang Bo
Neurology
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What should be paid attention to for facial neuritis?

Patients with facial neuritis usually have an acute onset, with facial nerve paralysis peaking within hours or days. It mainly manifests as paralysis of the facial expression muscles, disappearance of forehead lines, inability to frown, and incomplete closure of the eyelids. Therefore, patients with facial neuritis should pay attention to eye protection since the eyelids cannot close fully. Long-term exposure and drying of the cornea make it susceptible to infection. Therefore, it is necessary to wear an eye patch for protection or use some medicinal solutions to prevent infection and protect the cornea. Additionally, since there is a viral infection, patients should also avoid being chilled. In terms of diet, it is advisable to eat light food and avoid greasy, overly rich, or excessively spicy foods.

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Written by Tang Li Li
Neurology
1min 27sec home-news-image

How to Treat Facial Neuritis

Bell's palsy, once diagnosed, needs to be treated as early as possible, with better outcomes the earlier treatment is started. If the patient does not have any significant contraindications, corticosteroids should be used in the early stages. Common treatments include oral prednisone, typically for about ten days, or dexamethasone intravenous infusion, typically for about five to seven days. Alongside anti-inflammatory corticosteroids, nerve nourishment can be addressed with muscle injections of vitamin B1 and vitamin B12, and patients with better economic conditions can also use mouse nerve growth factor for muscle injection nerve nourishment. Additionally, if the patient has significant pain behind the ear, indicating a possible viral infection, concurrent treatment with acyclovir antiviral therapy should be administered. Later, if recovery is poor, rehabilitative treatment can be provided, including electro-acupuncture physical therapy, infrared magnetic heating, etc., all of which can promote the recovery of Bell's palsy. The overall treatment course approximately takes about 20 days, with total recovery time ranging from 20 days to two months. (Note: Medication should be used under the guidance of a physician, based on the actual conditions.)

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Written by Tang Ying
Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation
54sec home-news-image

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.