Question
My uncle, who is only in his forties, has been diagnosed with facial paralysis. Recently, he has been experiencing a crooked mouth and difficulty speaking clearly, which has caused him a lot of anxiety. He often gets angry with family members and sometimes even throws things. We are all very worried about him.
Answer
Facial paralysis is a disease caused by facial neuritis. The main cause is that the facial nerves are affected by cold wind exposure, leading to constriction of the microvessels that nourish the nerves, which in turn causes regional tissue ischemia and hypoxia. In addition, it may also be related to viral infections or immune reactions. Early treatment emphasizes improving regional blood circulation, eliminating inflammation and edema of the facial nerve, while later treatment focuses on promoting neural function recovery. Treatment methods include the use of corticosteroids, vitamins B1 and B12, and physical therapy such as heat compresses, massage, and acupuncture.