Question
Patient asks: As an older individual, I suddenly found that I cannot control the right side of my face at night, but there’s no numbness, and the surface sensation is normal. The hospital diagnosed it as facial paralysis. I want to know how this condition occurs and how to effectively treat it.
Answer
Expert answers: Facial paralysis, also known as facial neuritis or viral facial paralysis, is a common disease that often affects people aged 15 to 55. The condition usually arises from the aftermath of colds, overheating, staying up late, overexertion, and drinking alcohol, which may then lead to mouth distortion due to sweating or catching a breeze. The course of the disease is approximately one week, and symptoms tend to worsen gradually, including increasingly noticeable mouth distortion. Some patients may also experience pain in the face or behind the ears, as well as dizziness and headaches. Treatment-wise, it is recommended to undergo intravenous or oral anti-inflammatory medication at a local clinic to control inflammation. Note that a seemingly mild case of facial paralysis may not necessarily indicate a quick recovery. Timely treatment is the key.