Is facial neuritis prone to recurrence?

Written by Zhang Hui
Neurology
Updated on January 26, 2025
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For idiopathic facial neuritis, this is a nonspecific inflammatory reaction caused by an immune function disorder of the body. The probability of recurrence of this disease is not particularly high. Patients should pay attention to exercising and enhancing their physical fitness. During the onset of the disease, treatment with corticosteroids, B vitamins, etc., should be given, and the prognosis is generally good with a very low recurrence rate. However, it should be noted that sometimes facial paralysis may be caused by other diseases, such as some tumors, especially malignant lymphomas, whose initial symptoms might affect the facial nerve, causing repeated paralysis. Clinically, when seeing patients with repetitive facial neuritis, it is crucial to consider the possibility of such diseases to avoid missed diagnoses. (Medication should be used under the guidance of a doctor.)

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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 Li Min
Neurology
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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.

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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 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.)

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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.