Can you take a bath with facial neuritis?

Written by Li Min

Neurology

Updated on September 29, 2024

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Bell's palsy is caused by a decrease in the body's resistance, leading to damage in the face following viral infection and the resultant cleaning. This results in a series of clinical symptoms primarily on the affected side of the face. Therefore, regarding the symptoms of Bell's palsy, whether in the acute phase or during recovery, bathing generally poses no major issue. However, in the acute phase, some treatments recommend antiviral and anti-inflammatory therapies, along with diets aimed at eliminating free radicals, and the application of topical plasters, which generally should not be exposed to water. If the plasters become wet, their effectiveness may be minimal or nullified. Therefore, personal circumstances should be considered.

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Written by Tang Bo

Neurology

56sec

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What causes facial neuritis?

Facial neuritis, also known as idiopathic facial nerve paralysis or Bell's palsy, is caused by nonspecific inflammation of the facial nerve inside the cranial foramen, leading to peripheral facial paralysis. The exact cause is currently unknown, but it is thought to possibly be related to viral infections of the optic nerve, as well as potentially due to exposure to cold or upper respiratory tract infections. The mechanism of onset involves the bony facial nerve canal, which can only accommodate the facial nerve. However, if the facial nerve becomes ischemic and swollen, it will inevitably lead to nerve compression. Viral infections can lead to local autoimmune responses in the nerves and spasms of the nutrient vessels, resulting in ischemic swelling and facial nerve paralysis.

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Written by Zhang Hui

Neurology

1min 10sec

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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 Tang Li Li

Neurology

1min 27sec

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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 Bo

Neurology

1min 15sec

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Facial neuritis should visit which department?

Facial neuritis should be treated by the Department of Neurology, but after the acute phase, physiotherapy can be performed at the Rehabilitation Department. Facial neuritis is caused by non-specific inflammation of the facial nerve within the stylomastoid foramen, leading to peripheral facial paralysis. The exact cause is currently unclear, but it is believed to be related to optic nerve viral infections. It usually occurs after exposure to cold and upper respiratory infections, and can occur at any age, most commonly between 20 and 40 years, with a higher incidence in males than females. It starts acutely, peaking within a few hours or days, mainly presenting as paralysis of the facial expression muscles, disappearance of forehead lines, inability to frown or wrinkle the forehead, and inability to close the eyelids or incomplete closure. Therefore, during the acute phase, treatment in the Department of Neurology is necessary, and rehabilitation treatment can be sought after the acute phase in the Rehabilitation Department.

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Written by Yuan Jun Li

Neurology

59sec

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How to determine if facial neuritis is cured?

Patients with facial neuritis, if the paralysis of the facial expression muscles returns to normal, are generally considered cured. After the onset of the disease, patients must receive early and timely treatment. Corticosteroids such as dexamethasone, prednisone, and methylprednisolone can be used, along with B vitamins to nourish the nerves. Commonly used are vitamin B1, vitamin B12, adenosylcobalamin, and methylcobalamin, among others. One week after the onset, acupuncture treatment can be considered, as well as massage, physical therapy, and heat therapy. Most patients begin to recover two weeks after treatment, and basically return to normal within two months, with a minority possibly experiencing certain sequelae, such as facial muscle spasms or remaining facial muscle paralysis. (The use of medications should be under the guidance of a physician.)