Symptoms of facial neuritis

Written by Zhang Hui
Neurology
Updated on December 05, 2024
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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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Can facial neuritis be cured?

Facial neuritis is a relatively common disease in neurology. It is mainly caused by viral infection or other nonspecific inflammatory reactions, leading to local inflammation of the facial nerve, which results in edema of the facial nerve and clinical manifestations caused by compression within the facial nerve canal. The main symptoms include shallower furrows on the affected side of the forehead, weakness in opening and closing the eyes, drooping and skewing of the mouth corner, drooling, weakness in puffing the cheeks, and air leakage when puffing the cheeks. Most patients with facial neuritis have a good prognosis, as long as the diagnosis is clear and appropriate treatment is administered in a timely manner, such as treatment with corticosteroids and B vitamins. If it is caused by a viral infection, appropriate antiviral treatment is given, and most patients can fully recover in about three months. If the condition is severe at the onset, or if the patient has risk factors such as diabetes, the prognosis is not very good. Overall, most people with facial neuritis recover well.

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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 Yuan Jun Li
Neurology
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How to determine if facial neuritis is cured?

Patients with facial neuritis, if the paralysis of the facial expression muscles returns to normal, are generally considered cured. After the onset of the disease, patients must receive early and timely treatment. Corticosteroids such as dexamethasone, prednisone, and methylprednisolone can be used, along with B vitamins to nourish the nerves. Commonly used are vitamin B1, vitamin B12, adenosylcobalamin, and methylcobalamin, among others. One week after the onset, acupuncture treatment can be considered, as well as massage, physical therapy, and heat therapy. Most patients begin to recover two weeks after treatment, and basically return to normal within two months, with a minority possibly experiencing certain sequelae, such as facial muscle spasms or remaining facial muscle paralysis. (The use of medications should be under the guidance of a physician.)

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Written by Yuan Jun Li
Neurology
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Does facial neuritis cause vomiting?

Patients with facial neuritis generally do not experience vomiting. The main symptoms in patients are paralysis of the facial expression muscles around the eyes and mouth, which may present with the disappearance or lightening of the wrinkles on the affected side of the forehead, enlarged eye slits, incomplete eyelid closure, and exposure of the white sclera when attempting to close the eyes. Additionally, flattening of the nasolabial fold may occur, as well as reduced or lost taste sensation in the anterior two-thirds of the tongue. Patients may have symptoms such as a crooked mouth when whistling, air escape when puffing cheeks, and food retention on the affected side during meals, which increases the risk of oral infections and conjunctivitis. If vomiting occurs, other causes should be actively considered, such as the possibility of high blood pressure or electrolyte imbalance like hyponatremia. Dietary indiscretion could also be a cause, necessitating a comprehensive analysis.

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Written by Zhang Hui
Neurology
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Can facial neuritis patients eat beef?

Most patients with facial neuritis have a relatively good prognosis, as long as timely drug treatment is provided, along with some acupuncture rehabilitation and therapy training. Many patients will completely recover from their symptoms within one to two months, and most will not suffer from any long-term sequelae. There are no special dietary requirements for patients with facial neuritis, and they can eat beef. Beef contains rich, high-quality proteins that can boost the body's immune system and help prevent complications caused by facial neuritis, so it is permissible to eat beef. In addition, patients with facial neuritis should also consume more cereals because cereals are rich in B vitamins, which are beneficial for recovery. It is also advocated that patients eat plenty of fresh vegetables and fruits. Moreover, patients should avoid smoking, drinking alcohol, and consuming spicy and irritating foods, such as chili peppers.