Such is the facial nerve palsy that Pirkko Mannola suffers from – 2024-04-14 22:44:56

Pirkko Mannola has to miss the Aikalaiset tour due to facial nerve palsy. ATTE KAJOVA

Long-time singer and actor Pirkko Mannola said that he will miss the Aikalaiset tour due to facial nerve palsy.

The most common cause of facial paralysis is the so-called Bell’s palsy. It is a relatively common condition, as approximately every 60 Finns will experience facial nerve palsy during their lifetime.

This article discusses the common symptoms and causes of facial nerve palsy. The source of the article is the Duodecim health library. Mannola did not elaborate on his own situation in the press release.

Symptoms

Facial nerve palsy is typically seen on the other half of the face. The other lip hangs down, and wrinkles smooth over the lip, nose and forehead.

In addition, facial nerve palsy can prevent one eyelid from closing properly.

In facial nerve palsy, the facial skin may feel numb. The sense of taste can also be disturbed.

You should always see a doctor for facial paralysis so that its cause can be determined. In some cases, facial paralysis can also be associated with cerebral palsy.

The reason is less often known

Facial nerve palsy is caused by a disturbance in the function of the facial nerve. Even a small irritation to the facial nerve leaving the brain can disrupt the nerve’s function.

In general, no specific cause can be found for facial nerve palsy. In this case, the condition is called Bell’s paresis.

In Bell’s palsy, facial paralysis starts quickly and peaks within 2-3 days.

The cause of Bell’s palsy is unknown, but the herpes virus has been suspected as one of its possible causes.

In some cases, the function of the facial nerve can also be disturbed due to facial shingles or tick-borne borreliosis.

Treatment and recovery

There is no curative treatment for Bell’s palsy, and you can hardly influence its course yourself.

Facial palsy associated with Bell’s palsy usually resolves on its own within a few months. Cortisone treatment started at an early stage can promote healing.

Facial paralysis caused by shingles can be treated with antiviral drugs, and facial paralysis related to borreliosis is effectively prevented by treatment of the disease immediately after the tick bite.

In partial facial palsy associated with Bell’s palsy, 95% of patients recover completely. More than half of those with complete facial paralysis recover completely. However, some of the facial paralysis remains with some disturbances in the functioning of the facial muscles.