Question
My husband suddenly developed facial paralysis for no apparent reason. What are the main causes of facial paralysis, and how effective is acupuncture treatment?
Answer
In clinical diagnosis, facial paralysis is referred to as facial neuritis, which means that the inability to control one’s own expressions occurs due to a problem with the facial nerve. Symptoms may include shallow nasolabial grooves, faint forehead lines, drooping eyelids, crooked mouth corners, and drooling. Generally, it is caused by wind, cerebrovascular disease, or possibly viral infections. Some patients may experience it after exposure to extreme cold or heat.