Can people with facial neuritis drink alcohol?

Written by Zhang Hui
Neurology
Updated on September 19, 2024
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If facial neuritis occurs, one should not drink alcohol, as alcohol itself has a significant damaging effect on nerves. Patients who drink alcohol long-term can experience damage to peripheral nerves, such as numbness and weakness in the limbs. Since facial neuritis is essentially a form of peripheral neuritis, alcohol can damage the facial nerve, hence patients with facial neuritis should not drink alcohol. Patients with facial neuritis need timely treatment, which mainly includes the use of corticosteroids to suppress immune inflammatory responses and reduce facial nerve edema, significantly shortening the course of the disease; in addition, some vitamin B drugs can be used for treatment; physical therapy, rehabilitation training, acupuncture, etc., also play a role in the recovery from facial neuritis. In summary, patients with facial neuritis absolutely should not drink alcohol, as it damages the facial nerve.

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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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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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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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What should be paid attention to with facial neuritis?

Bell's palsy is caused by a decrease in the body's resistance, resulting in damage to the facial nerve. This damage presents clinically as symptoms of viral infection. Therefore, precautions should be based on its cause and clinical symptoms. In terms of causes, patients should enhance their resistance, engage in more physical exercise, consume foods that eliminate free radicals, and enhance their diet with high-quality protein. When going out, avoid cold exposure, wind, and re-infection. In terms of treatment, patients should adhere to medical advice and take oral medications on time. Additionally, after treatment, rehabilitation should be emphasized to prevent residual symptoms. Thus, the symptoms of Bell's palsy involve a range of conditions.