Neuritis of the facial nerve (Bell's palsy) is manifested in partial or complete disruption of the functions of the facial nerve, which controls the mimic muscles of the face. Symptoms of neuritis of the facial nerve appear unexpectedly, or may develop within two days. The disease can occur at any age, but most often at risk are pregnant women, diabetics, who have just had the flu, SARS or hypothermia.
How to identify neuritis of the facial nerve? Symptoms, treatment of disease
As a rule, the first signs of the disease are noticed by others - this is a speech disorder and a curvature of the nasolabial fold. Often the symptoms of neuritis of the facial nerve appear in the morning - then the victim himself notices them. Other signs of the disease include burning or numbness of half of the face, drooping on one side of the corner of the mouth, and asymmetry of the face. The patient may increase susceptibility to loud sounds, dry eyes or, conversely, tearing, headache and pain behind the ear, difficulty in eating food, change in taste perception.
Neuritis of the facial nerve: causes
The cause of Bell's palsy has not yet been established. There is a theory that the matter is in some kind of HSV-1 virus that lives in the redistribution of nerve cells, which is activated under certain conditions. It multiplies, in the course of its activity, producing toxins that cause inflammation of the nerve and disruption of the patency of the nerve impulse. Other suggested causes of neuritis include ear tumors and infections, trauma, Lyme disease, strokes, brain tumors, etc. If the symptoms of facial neuritis appear gradually over weeks or months, then this is some other disease that only a doctor can diagnose -neurologist.
Therapy Methods
To confirm the diagnosis, you will need to undergo a comprehensive examination, after which the doctor will be able to prescribe the appropriate treatment. During the examination - to exclude other pathologies - an MRI may be prescribed. To track the process of restoring the ability of nerve fibers to conduct impulses, EMG is sometimes prescribed.
It should be noted that the symptoms of neuritis of the facial nerve in some cases may not pass without a trace: for example, there will be a noticeable asymmetry of the face. However, eighty percent of patients with neuritis after complex therapy are completely cured, without consequences. Treatment involves the use of corticosteroids, antiviral agents, a complex of vitamins and trace elements. not excludedphysiotherapy procedures. Very rarely, only in cases where mechanical compression of the nerve fiber is manifested, surgical intervention is required. As a rule, doctors limit themselves to the use of acupuncture and infrared laser.
Associated Issues
With paralysis, there may be a violation of the closing of the eyelid - in this case, it is necessary to prevent the drying of the eyeball. Eye care activities include using artificial tears to moisturize (every one to two hours), wearing a wet bandage or glasses, applying special eye ointment at night. It is important during the treatment to be observed by a doctor who will check the condition of the eye. Stay he althy!
