The Importance of Prompt Treatment for Facial Paralysis: Insights from a Neurologist

“It is important to actively start treatment by visiting a neurologist rather than recovering naturally”

[바이오타임즈] Sudden facial paralysis is a symptom caused by sudden paralysis of the facial nerve that controls the muscles of the face. In general, it plays an important role in controlling facial expressions such as lowering the eyelids or opening the mouth, but when the facial nerve is suddenly paralyzed, the eyes do not close while washing the face, so soapy water enters or one mouth moves well when eating. If not, you may have difficulty eating.

Among the facial paralysis diseases in which the facial muscles are paralyzed, there are peripheral and central diseases. Among them, peripheral facial palsy accounts for a high rate. It is a disease in which the muscles around the mouth or eyes are paralyzed, and most of them are known to be caused by viral infections or autoimmune diseases.

Among them, Bell’s palsy, which represents peripheral facial palsy, is also called idiopathic facial palsy because it is difficult to find a specific cause, and is known to be highly related to herpes simplex virus type 1.

Ramsay-hunt syndrome caused by the herpes zoster virus also corresponds to peripheral facial paralysis and is characterized by accompanying ear pain and skin lesions. In addition, peripheral facial paralysis can occur as a complication of infection, such as trauma, fracture, or otitis media.

Fortunately, these facial paralysis symptoms usually subside after a period of about 2 weeks to 3 months. However, care must be taken as some patients do not fully recover from symptoms, which can cause discomfort in daily life as well as psychological problems such as avoidance of people and depression due to the abnormally distorted facial shape.

In particular, central facial palsy is facial paralysis caused by cerebral hemorrhage, cerebral infarction, brain tumor, encephalitis, etc., and is a life-threatening emergency that is accompanied by neurological symptoms such as hemiplegia, paralysis of limbs, numbness, or language disorder along with paralysis of the face. Therefore, early diagnosis and treatment are of utmost importance.

The biggest feature that distinguishes these peripheral facial palsy from central facial palsy is whether eyes are closed and forehead wrinkles. In the case of peripheral facial palsy, it is difficult to close the eye on the affected side and wrinkles are not formed on the forehead, but in the case of central facial palsy, there is no great difficulty in closing the eyes and wrinkles the forehead.

Shin Jong-hwa, director of Gwangmyeong 21st Century Hospital, said, “Because the cause of Bell’s palsy, which accounts for more than half of patients with facial nerve disorders, has not yet been clearly identified, it is necessary to make efforts to strengthen immunity for prevention.” Regular exercise, stress management, sufficient rest, and a balanced diet are helpful, and if symptoms are suspected, it is important to visit a neurologist to find out the exact cause and start active treatment rather than waiting for natural recovery.”

[바이오타임즈=최진주 기자] news@biotimes.co.kr

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