How is facial neuritis treated?

Written by Zhang Hui
Neurology
Updated on April 12, 2025
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Facial neuritis is generally prone to occur in patients with immune dysfunction, with factors such as viral infections and some patients may be related to cold stimulation from air conditioning or fans on the face. The treatment of facial neuritis mainly includes the following aspects: First, glucocorticoid treatment should be given. Glucocorticoids play a very important role in the treatment of facial neuritis. They can reduce abnormal inflammatory responses and swelling of the facial nerve, which greatly helps the patient's recovery. Second, some B vitamins should be given to nourish the nerves. If the condition is caused by viral infection, antiviral medication should also be provided. In addition, some rehabilitation training is particularly important, and it is recommended that patients receive early physiotherapy and functional training for facial muscles.

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Written by Tang Bo
Neurology
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How is facial neuritis best treated?

The treatment of facial neuritis primarily aims to improve local blood circulation, alleviate facial nerve edema, relieve nerve compression, and promote the recovery of nerve function. Therefore, its treatment includes medication, which mainly nourishes the nerves, and may also involve antiviral drugs and corticosteroids. Physiotherapy, particularly post-acute phase, can include acupuncture or infrared radiation and local heat application. Eye protection is also necessary because patients with facial neuritis may not be able to fully close their eyelids, leaving the cornea exposed and susceptible to infection. Finally, rehabilitation treatment includes acupuncture, which is also part of the mentioned physiotherapy.

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Written by Zhang Hui
Neurology
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What should not be eaten with facial neuritis?

Bell's palsy primarily refers to the idiopathic paralysis of the facial nerve. This condition is quite common and can occur in individuals of any age. Essentially, it is a non-specific immune inflammatory response. Patients should be cautious about their diet, avoiding spicy and stimulating foods, as these can exacerbate facial nerve swelling, which is detrimental to recovery. Additionally, alcohol consumption should be avoided as it can significantly damage the nerves. There are no special dietary restrictions otherwise; it is recommended to consume more fresh vegetables and fruits, such as greens, apples, and oranges. Consuming foods rich in B vitamins, like buckwheat, sorghum, and corn, is also advised.

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Written by Zhang Hui
Neurology
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Symptoms of facial neuritis

The clinical symptoms of facial neuritis mainly manifest as peripheral facial paralysis, such as the patient's affected side having shallower forehead wrinkles, or disappearing wrinkles, weakened eyelid closure, and in some severe cases, the inability to close the eyes, which can easily lead to corneal damage. There is also noticeable drooping of the mouth corner, a shallower nasolabial fold, and leaking while drinking. The affected individuals are unable to whistle or puff their cheeks. Some patients may also experience disorders in the secretion of salivary and lacrimal glands, taste disturbances at the anterior part of the tongue, and a few may have herpes zoster in the external auditory canal or periosteum with significant pain. The treatment for facial neuritis generally involves the use of corticosteroids.

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Written by Zhang Hui
Neurology
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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 Liu Shi Xiang
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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.