Question
A 0-year-old patient has experienced facial and mouth distortion incline twice after waking up from a nap. The first time, the condition improved with acupuncture and the application of ointment. Recently, the same symptoms have appeared again. How should one handle this situation? What are the common causes, and how can they be prevented?
Answer
Facial palsy, also known as facial nerve palsy or facial neuritis, is a common condition characterized by a disorder in the movement of the facial expression muscle group. Symptoms include crooked mouth and eyes, as well as an inability to perform basic facial movements such as raising eyebrows, closing eyes, or puffing cheeks. The cause may be exposure to cold, such as direct exposure to cold wind from doors and windows, which can cause facial blood vessels to constrict and compress the nerves. Preventive measures include avoiding sleeping in drafts, early treatment, using acupuncture and medication such as Vitamin B1 and B12. Additionally, due to incomplete or inability to close eyelids, there is a risk of eye infection, so eye protection is necessary. This includes wearing sunglasses outdoors, using eye drops before bedtime, and even wearing an eye mask for protection. The above suggestions are for the treatment of facial palsy and are offered in hopes of providing assistance.