Does facial neuritis cause facial pain?

Written by Zhang Hui
Neurology
Updated on November 10, 2024
00:00
00:00

Facial neuritis is mainly caused by idiopathic facial nerve paralysis, which primarily manifests as paralysis of the facial muscles. Symptoms include deviation of the mouth, eyelid closure, lack of strength in opening the eyes, and shallowing of the nasolabial fold. Some patients' conditions are related to viral infections, which may cause facial pain. However, the pain is generally not very severe, and anti-viral medications can be used for treatment, which are somewhat effective. Additionally, active treatment of facial neuritis mainly involves the use of corticosteroids and is supported by the administration of B-group vitamins. Most patients, with timely and active treatment, have a relatively very good prognosis, with many experiencing no residual effects. (Please take medications under the guidance of a professional physician, do not self-medicate.)

Other Voices

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Li Min
Neurology
53sec home-news-image

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.

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Zhang Hui
Neurology
1min 5sec home-news-image

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.

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Tang Bo
Neurology
1min 15sec home-news-image

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.

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Tang Bo
Neurology
48sec home-news-image

Is facial neuritis the same as facial paralysis?

Facial neuritis can lead to facial paralysis, but facial paralysis can be divided into central facial paralysis and peripheral facial paralysis. Generally, facial paralysis caused by facial neuritis is peripheral facial paralysis. This means that there might be incomplete closure of the eyelids and deviation of the mouth corners. If central facial paralysis is considered, it generally does not lead to incomplete closure of the eyelids. Central facial paralysis is mainly caused by cerebrovascular diseases or other diseases of the brain or brainstem, whereas facial neuritis is due to damage to the facial nerve.

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Tang Bo
Neurology
54sec home-news-image

What should be paid attention to for facial neuritis?

Patients with facial neuritis usually have an acute onset, with facial nerve paralysis peaking within hours or days. It mainly manifests as paralysis of the facial expression muscles, disappearance of forehead lines, inability to frown, and incomplete closure of the eyelids. Therefore, patients with facial neuritis should pay attention to eye protection since the eyelids cannot close fully. Long-term exposure and drying of the cornea make it susceptible to infection. Therefore, it is necessary to wear an eye patch for protection or use some medicinal solutions to prevent infection and protect the cornea. Additionally, since there is a viral infection, patients should also avoid being chilled. In terms of diet, it is advisable to eat light food and avoid greasy, overly rich, or excessively spicy foods.