Question
A patient developed left facial paralysis in June 2003 following a herpes zoster infection in the ear canal. Despite acupuncture and medication treatments, the condition did not improve, leaving residual symptoms. Occasionally, the patient experiences pain behind the left ear and on the top of the head, and is unable to whistle. Movement of the left facial muscles is limited, and the left eyebrow cannot be raised. The patient asks: Is it possible to cure facial paralysis through surgery?
Answer
Facial paralysis is often caused by viral infection, and treatment includes medication and surgery. About 69% of patients with mild symptoms can recover with a combination of traditional Chinese and Western medicine treatments. However, 40% of patients require surgical intervention. If facial electromyography (EMG) reveals that the facial nerve is damaged by more than 70% within the first month of onset, surgery should be performed early to avoid severe residual symptoms. The timing of facial paralysis treatment is critical; if surgery is performed more than six months later, it can affect the treatment outcome. Our department has treated numerous cases, and patients are welcome to seek treatment. Although the patient has been suffering from this condition for over a year, there is still potential for improvement despite the limited effectiveness of surgery.