Who gets facial paralysis? What is the treatment?

 Who gets facial paralysis? What is the treatment?

Facial paralysis is a condition in which the facial muscles become weak and stop working, and it is mainly caused by a problem with the nerves.

About 5,000 people are affected by facial paralysis every year, and 1 in 70 people experience this disease.

Treatment includes steroids, antiviral drugs, eye care, and exercise, and usually recovery is possible within 2 months.

Facial paralysis is a condition in which the muscles of the face become weak and stop working. This problem is caused by a sudden problem with the nerves, which can completely change the appearance of one side of the face.

Usually, this disease affects only one side of the face, but in rare cases, both sides can be affected. The incidence of this disease in Nepal has been increasing recently.

According to statistics, about 5,000 people are affected by this problem every year, and 1 in 70 people experience this disease in their lifetime. Some studies have shown a different rate of 8 to 240 per 100,000 population, which varies by method and geographical area.

First, let's understand about the facial nerve.

There are 12 pairs of cranial nerves in the brain. Of these, the seventh cranial nerve exits the brain on the right and left sides of the face and reaches the facial muscles through a small tunnel below the ear.

This nerve controls the small muscles of the face, which are responsible for smiling, frowning, closing the eyes, and transmitting the taste of the tongue to the brain. When there is a problem with this nerve, there is a disturbance in the facial muscles, which can cause facial paralysis.

Why does facial paralysis occur?

The main cause is still not completely clear. However, many studies have mentioned that it may be due to a viral infection. Due to viral infections, swelling occurs around the nerve. And, when this swelling occurs, the nerve stops working. And, paralysis can occur.

Seasonal effects are also a factor

The risk of this disease may increase during cold weather or during viral infections. For example, it can be associated with the herpes simplex virus.

Who gets facial paralysis?

Anyone can get this disease. It is most common in pregnant women between the ages of 15 and 60, people with weakened immune systems, and people with diabetes and HIV. It can also occur after a facial muscle fracture, nerve damage during surgery, or a stroke.

Some studies have shown that people with a family history of facial paralysis may be at higher risk.

Symptoms

Facial paralysis often begins suddenly. Within a few hours, the face feels numb. Then, one side of the face may become weak or stop moving.

Symptoms include drooping of the face, moving only half of the face when smiling, inability to close the eyes properly, loss of taste on the tongue or tingling in the affected area, difficulty chewing food, excessive salivation, inability to draw a line across the forehead, inability to puff out or whistle, and slurred speech.

This paralysis is usually painless. But sometimes there may be a slight pain near the ear. There may be increased sensitivity to sound.

How is it diagnosed?

Physical examination — Checks the function of facial muscles (e.g., closing the eyes, puffing out the cheeks).

Electromyography — Checks the electrical activity of nerves and muscles.

MRI/CT scan: To look for stroke, tumors, or other causes.

Blood tests — To check for viral infections or diabetes.

Treatment

Medications

Steroids: Your doctor may prescribe them for about 10 days. These reduce swelling around the nerves and make it easier for the nerves to function again. Antiviral medications: If a virus is suspected, antiviral medications may be used along with steroids.

Eye care

If the eyelids cannot be closed, damage to the eye can occur. Eye pads can be used during the day for this. Eye drops can be used at night. You can protect your eyes by covering them with tape while you sleep at night.

Surgery and other treatments

In more than 90 percent of cases, surgery is not required. It can heal on its own. However, if 10 percent of the nerves are severely damaged or if there is no improvement for a long time, surgery may be required. Botox can be used to improve the shape of the face, and plastic surgery can be done to improve the shape of the face if there is permanent weakness.

Changes in facial appearance can cause mental stress, for which counseling is useful. Similarly, exercise should be done to keep the facial muscles active. Closing the eyes slowly, trying to whistle, and laughing exercises help improve the condition of the cheek muscles.

In this way, even if there is no progress at first, these exercises will improve continuously.

Progression of the disease

— Improvement is gradual in many patients.

— Improvement begins within 2-3 weeks.

— Most recover within about 2 months.

— In some cases, complete recovery may take 6-12 months.

— Some weakness may be permanent, but complete recovery is rare.

Caution

Facial paralysis looks similar to a stroke. Therefore, the doctor should first distinguish whether it is a stroke or not. If you have high blood pressure, diabetes, or are pregnant, you should immediately see a doctor if you notice such a problem on your face.

You should seek medical advice before starting medication on your own.