Causes of facial neuritis

Written by Zhang Hui
Neurology
Updated on February 26, 2025
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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
Neurology
1min 7sec home-news-image

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.

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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 Liu Hong Mei
Neurology
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Can facial neuritis be treated with hot compresses?

Facial neuritis can be treated with heat application, which can promote local blood circulation in the face and accelerate the repair of nerve functions. Patients with facial paralysis can control the water temperature at about 60°C during heat application, applying heat twice a day, each time for 10~15 minutes. It is important to prevent burns and treatments can also be combined with acupuncture and physiotherapy, which can nourish the nerves or use small doses of hormones. A light diet should be maintained, along with plenty of rest and adequate sleep. Avoid spicy, stimulating, excitatory foods, as well as raw, hard, and indigestible foods. Regularly eat fresh vegetables and fruits.

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Written by Zhang Hui
Neurology
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Nursing measures for facial neuritis

The treatment of facial neuritis, in addition to some pharmacological treatments including corticosteroids, B vitamins, and antiviral medications, also requires some rehabilitative physiotherapy training. On the other hand, nursing measures also play an important role in the recovery from facial neuritis. The nursing measures for facial neuritis mainly include: First, it is essential to soothe the patient's emotions. Patients with facial neuritis often become quite depressed and may experience anxiety and depression. Nursing work must be thorough, including explanation and reassurance. Only when the patient's emotions are stable, can they cooperate with the treatment. The second nursing measure is to advise patients not to consume spicy and irritating foods. Third, it is important to keep the face warm, and patients can wear masks. Fourth, it is crucial to take good care of the eyes, as patients with facial neuritis often have difficulty closing their eyes, which can easily lead to eye infections. Eye drops can be administered to the patient.

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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.)