Question

Someone woke up in the morning with a headache, puffy eyes, and a crooked mouth. After a hospital examination, they were diagnosed with facial paralysis and want to inquire about the possible causes.

Answer

Facial paralysis, also known as facial neuritis, is commonly characterized by weakness or paralysis of the facial muscles, leading to a crooked mouth or inability to close the eyes normally. The causes of facial paralysis are diverse, including:

  1. Stroke: Blood vessel blockage or bleeding that reduces blood flow to the brain can affect the facial nerve responsible for controlling the facial muscles.
  2. Viral Infection: Infections such as herpes zoster can affect the facial nerve and lead to facial paralysis.
  3. Ear Infection: Conditions like otitis media can cause damage to the facial nerve, resulting in facial paralysis.
  4. Overexertion or Stress: Long-term fatigue or stress may also trigger facial paralysis.
  5. Other Diseases: Conditions such as diabetes and immune system diseases may also lead to facial paralysis. Early treatment can alleviate symptoms and prevent complications.