The term "facial neuritis" refers to a pathological process characterized by inflammation of the seventh pair of cranial nerve fibers, or more precisely, one of them. Another name for the disease is Bell's palsy. The patient is not able to show emotions, he cannot even chew food normally. His face is asymmetrical and distorted. In most cases, the facial muscles fail only on one side. In 2% of cases, both parts are involved in the pathological process. Regardless of the severity of the symptoms, treatment of facial neuritis should not be delayed. This is due to the fact that against the background of the course of the pathology, various complications often develop.
Pathogenesis
Under the influence of various negative factors, a spasm of blood vessels occurs. Liquid connective tissue stagnates in the capillaries, as a resultwhat is their extension. Then the blood seeps through the walls of the vessels and begins to accumulate in the intercellular spaces. Against the background of this process, edema is formed. It, in turn, compresses both blood and lymphatic vessels.
A natural consequence is a violation of blood circulation in the nervous tissue. She ceases to receive the necessary amount of oxygen and nutrients. As a result, the nerve trunk swells, and hemorrhages occur. The consequence is a violation of the process of transmission of impulses from the brain to muscle tissues. In other words, the latter do not receive commands and simply do nothing. In this case, it is customary to talk about facial neuritis.
Etiology
At present, the exact causes of the development of the disease are unknown. However, it has been proven that the following factors are provocative:
- Active activity of the herpes virus. This pathogen is present in the body of a larger number of people and does not cause harm. However, against the background of a weakened immune system, the process of its active reproduction is launched. The favorite location of the virus is the nerve fibers.
- Local hypothermia. A striking example is a long stay in a draft. In such cases, a spasm of muscle tissue and blood vessels occurs, due to which their nutrition is disturbed and an inflammatory process develops.
- Regular consumption of alcoholic beverages. Alcohol is the main enemy of the nervous system.
- Hypertension. Against the background of this disease, intracranial pressure often increases. The consequence isdamage to the nucleus of the facial nerve.
- Presence of neoplasms of the brain. The tumor pinches the nerve, due to which the process of impulse conduction is disrupted.
- Craniocerebral injuries. They are always accompanied by damage to the nervous tissue. Edema forms in the affected area, and inflammation spreads to the entire fiber.
- Sinusitis and otitis media transferred in the recent past. Pathologies of an otorhinolaryngological nature, the causative agents of which are bacteria or viruses, often spread to nearby tissues.
- Diabetes. Nerve damage is a consequence of metabolic disorders.
- Atherosclerosis. Vessels supplying the nerve with nutrients become clogged with plaques. As a result, he begins to suffer from hypoxia and sooner or later dies.
- Long exposure to stress.
- Multiple sclerosis. The course of the pathology is accompanied by the destruction of the myelin sheath of the nerve fiber.
In addition, the disease is rarely diagnosed in pregnant women in the first trimester. This is due to the fact that at the initial stage, cardinal changes take place in the body of the expectant mother.
Regardless of the cause of neuritis of the facial nerve, with treatment (a photo of the affected area of the face is presented below), it is unacceptable to delay. Ignoring pathology often leads to irreparable consequences.
Clinical manifestations
The disease is characterized by an acute onset. If the symptoms develop slowly, then the cause of itappearance is not neuritis. The table below describes the manifestations of the pathology and the causes of their occurrence.
| Sign of neuritis | What happens in the body |
| Pain behind the ear. Often they radiate to the back of the head, face and eyeball. Pain occurs about two days before changes in facial expressions appear | The affected nerve swells. It is pinched in the exit area of the auditory opening |
| The asymmetry of the face is visible to the naked eye. The affected side is associated with the mask. The corner of the mouth is lowered, the eye is wide open, the wrinkles in the nose and forehead are smoothed out. Asymmetry is more noticeable during talking, crying and laughing | The brain is no longer able to control the facial muscles located on the affected part of the face |
| The eye located on the affected area does not close even when trying to squint. The apple turns up | The circular muscle of the eye is poorly innervated. The eyelid is completely out of control |
| It becomes extremely difficult to eat liquid food as it spills out of the downturned corner of the mouth. But the patient is still able to chew | The buccal branches of the nerve fiber can no longer control the orbicularis muscle of the mouth |
| The muscles located in the cheek do not obey. She is constantly getting food. During the meal, a person constantly bites his cheek | The cheek muscles stop receiving impulses from the facial nerve |
| Constant thirst, dry mouth. Induring the meal, the food is not sufficiently moistened with saliva. Less often, on the contrary, its increased production is noted | The salivary glands receive distorted impulses from the brain |
| Slurred speech, especially difficult to pronounce consonants | The facial nerve normally provides the lips and cheeks with normal functioning. Against the background of the course of the pathology, their work is deteriorating |
| Violation of the process of perception of taste. The front part of the tongue from the side of the affected area does not feel it | Inflammation of the intermediate nerve occurs, the task of which is to transmit impulses from receptors to the brain |
| Dry eyes or, conversely, excessive tearing | Nerve damage results in disruption of the lacrimal gland |
| Hearing becomes more sensitive. Sounds seem much louder than they really are | Facial nerve affected in close proximity to auditory receptors |
An experienced doctor can identify the presence of facial neuritis by symptoms. Treatment of pathology depends on the localization of the inflammatory process. With timely access to a doctor, the recovery process is much easier and faster.
Diagnosis
A neurologist deals with the treatment of facial neuritis. As mentioned above, a competent specialist can make a diagnosis already during the initial appointment. But to confirm it, a comprehensive examination is required, including:
- Clinical blood test.
- MRI.
- CT.
- Electroneurography.
- Electromyography.
Based on the results of the diagnosis, the doctor draws up the most effective treatment regimen for facial neuritis. It includes conservative techniques.
Medicated treatment
Drugs for neuritis of the facial nerve are selected exclusively by a doctor. All funds are assigned to the patient only taking into account the individual characteristics of his body. The classic treatment regimen for facial neuritis is presented in the table below.
| Pharmacological group | Examples of drugs | Mechanism of action |
| Diuretics | Furon, Furosemide | Contribute to the acceleration of the process of excretion of urine from the body. As a result, tissues get rid of excess fluid, which is an effective prevention of squeezing of blood vessels and the formation of swelling of the nerve fiber |
| NSAIDs | "Nurofen", "Nise", "Nimesil" | Against the background of medical treatment of facial neuritis with NSAIDs, the inflammatory process is stopped in a short time. In addition, these drugs relieve pain in the ear and face area |
| Glucocorticosteroids | Prednisolone, Dexamethasone | After taking steroid drugs, the inflammatory process stops, swelling and pain disappear. In addition, against the background of drug treatment of facial neuritis with glucocorticosteroids inthe body starts the process of active production of a neurotransmitter. This is a special substance that significantly improves the conduction of impulses through the fibers. Also, taking these funds is an excellent prevention of the formation of contractures |
| Antivirals | Acyclovir, Zovirax | Prevent the active life of the herpes virus, which is often the causative agent of neuritis |
| Anspasmodics | Spazgan, No-shpa | After taking, painful sensations are stopped, blood circulation in the focus of pathology is significantly improved, spasm of smooth muscles is eliminated, arteries expand |
| Neurotropic drugs | Phenytoin, Carbamazepine | Normalize mineral metabolism in nerve fibers, thereby normalizing their functioning. The active components of the drugs help relieve pain and reduce the frequency of episodes of involuntary contraction of muscle fibers |
| Vitamins | "Pyridoxine", "Thiamin", "Riboflavin" | In the presence of pathology, these drugs are prescribed without fail. Treatment of neuritis of the facial nerve cannot be as effective as possible if the treatment regimen does not include the use of products containing B vitamins. These substances are present in nerve cells and their processes. In addition, vitamins protect them from the negative effects of toxic compounds |
| Anticholinesterase drugs | Galantamine, Prozerin | Against the background of reception, the process improvesconduction of nerve impulses. In addition, muscle tone increases and the functioning of the glands (both salivary and lacrimal) normalizes |
Treatment of facial neuritis is carried out in a hospital. In some cases, the doctor allows outpatient therapy.
According to medical reviews, the treatment of facial neuritis does not take much time only if you contact a medical institution in a timely manner. As practice shows, uncontrolled medication leads to the development of all kinds of complications. In particular, facial expressions may not be restored (the affected part is shown schematically in the photo below).
In the treatment of neuritis of the facial nerve, the symptoms play a decisive role. For example, if a patient has impaired taste perception, paralyzed muscles and severe dry mouth, then the focus of pathology is localized in that part of the fiber that is located in the pyramid of the temporal bone. Nystagmus, numbness and lack of facial expressions indicate damage to the nuclei of the facial nerve. Thus, the choice of medicines is carried out taking into account the localization of the pathological focus.
Physiotherapy
There are several treatments for facial neuritis. According to medical reviews, the healing process is significantly accelerated against the background of physiotherapy.
Most effective treatments:
- UHF. This method of treatment of facial neuritis is based on the ability of tissues to partially absorb an electric field of ultrahigh frequency. During the procedure, charged particles enter the cells,due to which metabolic processes are normalized. Locally, the temperature of tissues rises, blood circulation in the affected area improves, edema disappears. In addition, against the background of physiotherapy, the number of blood cells increases, the task of which is to destroy pathogenic microorganisms. The duration of the procedure is no more than 15 minutes. The course of treatment consists of a minimum of 5 and a maximum of 15 sessions.
- UV. The essence of the method is to expose the affected part of the face to ultraviolet rays. The latter contribute to the acceleration of the production of hormones and immunoglobulins. A natural consequence is the relief of pain and a decrease in the severity of the inflammatory process. The biodose is determined by the doctor on an individual basis. The course of treatment can include up to 20 procedures.
- DMV. The essence of the method lies in the impact on the focus of pathology by electromagnetic decimeter waves of ultrahigh frequency. As a result, there is a pronounced heating of the tissues. Due to this, metabolic processes are activated, blood vessels expand, tissue nutrition improves and, accordingly, the functioning of the damaged nerve is restored. The duration of the procedure is 5-10 minutes. The course of treatment includes from 3 to 15 sessions.
- Electrophoresis using drugs. During the procedure, the focus of the pathology is affected by a constant continuous electric current. At the same time, it has a minimum strength and voltage indicator. Against the background of physiotherapy, the inflammatory process stops, pain and swelling disappear. With the help of current in the focuspathology drugs are administered. This allows you to achieve the maximum concentration of active ingredients in the affected area.
- Diadynamic therapy. The essence of the method is as follows: direct impulse currents pass through the skin and penetrate into the muscle fibers, due to which the latter begin to contract. This process is very important. This is due to the fact that the muscles did not function for a long time and were significantly weakened. Against the background of diadynamic therapy, tissues are strengthened. In addition, excess fluid comes out of the cells, nerve fibers are restored, and the production of special protective enzymes is activated.
- Paraffin applications. They have several mechanisms of action: chemical, mechanical and thermal. Thanks to this, the functioning of the facial nerve is restored very quickly. In addition, paraffin applications are an excellent prevention of all kinds of complications. The duration of the session is approximately 40 minutes. The course of treatment includes from 10 to 20 procedures.
Regardless of the severity of symptoms, treatment of facial neuritis with the help of physiotherapeutic methods should begin no earlier than 7 days after the development of the inflammatory process. Ignoring this condition can lead to a worsening of the pathology.
Doctors recommend avoiding hypothermia of the face during treatment. In winter, it is advisable to cover the affected area with a scarf. In addition, experts advise staying indoors for another quarter of an hour after any procedure.
Peculiarities of treatment in children
According to statistics, pathology is rarely diagnosed in babies. The main reason for the development of facial neuritis in children is birth trauma. In addition, the disease can occur after hypothermia, as well as against the background of the course of various ailments of an infectious nature.
Treatment of neuritis of the facial nerve in children is similar to that shown in adults. The main objectives of therapy are the normalization of the functioning of the damaged fiber, the elimination of edema, the relief of the inflammatory process and pain, and the improvement of microcirculation.
Treatment of facial neuritis in children with severe asymmetry involves a course of massage. The first session should take place no earlier than a week after the development of the pathology. This is due to the fact that any exposure at the beginning of the acute period can lead to irreversible consequences.
The first few massage sessions should be done by a doctor. Then it is allowed to carry out manipulations at home.
Treatment of facial neuritis also involves regular classes in special gymnastics. A set of exercises is compiled by a doctor in each individual case. The specialist takes into account the age of the child, the severity of neuritis, as well as the presence of concomitant ailments.
Folk methods
It is important to understand that the treatment of neuritis of the facial nerve at home can be carried out only after consulting a doctor. The use of folk methods does not eliminate the need to seek qualified medical help. This is becausethe use of non-traditional methods contributes to the relief of unpleasant symptoms, but cannot completely get rid of the pathology. The use of folk methods can only be considered as an auxiliary measure.
The most effective are the following recipes:
- Take 40 g of propolis, grind it and pour vodka without additives or medical alcohol in a volume of 100 ml. Mix ingredients thoroughly. Put the container on fire. Simmer until the propolis dissolves in vodka or alcohol. Pour the resulting liquid into a dark glass bottle. Let it brew for a week. After 7 days, shake the bottle with the treatment mixture. Mix the liquid with olive oil in a ratio of 1:5. Soak a piece of gauze in the resulting mixture. Apply it to the affected part of the face. The course of therapy should include 10 procedures.
- Treatment of neuritis of the facial nerve at home is almost never complete without the use of honey. This is due to the fact that this medicinal product is a highly effective anti-inflammatory agent. Recipe for the preparation of therapeutic mass: take 1 tbsp. l. honey, the protein of one egg and juice squeezed from a large onion. The protein must be thoroughly whipped, outwardly it should look like a stable foam. Gradually add to it onion juice and honey melted in a water bath. Apply the resulting product to the linen fabric. Apply a compress to your face. The number of procedures is 10. They need to be carried out daily.
- Regardless of the severity of the symptoms of facial neuritis, the treatment of the disease with folk remedies shouldinclude breast milk. The product must be used in its pure form. Dosage regimen - three times a day, 5 mg. The duration of treatment is 3 weeks. Royal jelly is a remedy with powerful healing properties. It contributes to the rapid relief of inflammation and pain.
- Treatment of facial neuritis at home can also be done with the help of medical mustard plasters. To enhance the therapeutic effect on them, it is recommended to apply a mass consisting of vegetable oil, honey and propolis tincture (20%). All components must be taken in equal proportions. On the affected part of the face, put a gauze fabric folded in several layers, and then place a mustard plaster with a healing mass on it. Repeat the procedure every other day. The course of therapy includes 10 sessions.
- When treating neuritis of the facial nerve at home, it is recommended to take infusions and decoctions based on medicinal plants. A highly effective remedy for the disease is burdock root. You need to take 4 tbsp. l. pre-dried and crushed raw materials and pour 1 liter of boiling water over it. Let the liquid brew for 12 hours. Strain. Take before meals 4 times a day, 50 ml. In the resulting infusion, you can also moisten a cotton or linen cloth and apply it to the affected part of the face.
- Cut a few leaves of the golden mustache. Rinse raw materials and grind. Pour the golden mustache with 200 ml of boiling water. Put the container on fire. Boil for 5 minutes. After that, remove the container from the fire, cool and strain. Take 10 ml three times a day before meals.
- Take 4 tbsp. l. pre-dried and crushed calendula flowers. Pour raw materials with 1 liter of boiling water. Let the liquid brew for 3 hours. Strain. Infusion to use three times a day before meals, 200 ml. To improve the taste, you can add honey to the liquid.
- Dilute red clay with boiling water so that the consistency of the mass resembles thick sour cream. Cool slightly so that it does not burn the skin. Form a cake about 3 cm thick from the resulting mass. Apply it to the affected side of the face. Fix the cake with plastic wrap. The duration of the procedure is half an hour. According to reviews, red clay copes well with neuritis.
- Pick black elderberries. Crush them to a mushy state. Apply the resulting mass to the focus of pathology daily for half an hour.
It is important to understand that any natural remedy is a potential allergen. If signs of an adverse reaction occur, treatment of facial neuritis at home should be completed.
Consequences
The outcome of the disease directly depends on the timeliness of the visit to the doctor. After treatment of neuritis of the facial nerve, complete recovery occurs in 75% of patients. If, during therapy, the intensity of symptoms does not subside within 3 months, it is highly likely that the work of the damaged fiber will not recover. If the clinical manifestations do not disappear even after 9 months, doctors recommend resorting to plastic surgery. Operationalintervention does not fix the problem, but greatly improves the appearance of the face.
Possible consequences of neuritis:
- Complete loss of sensation on the front of the tongue.
- Persistent excessive salivation.
- Reduce the sensitivity of the skin and mouth.
- Violation of the innervation of the stapedius muscle. The latter performs a protective function, protecting the ear from injury that can be caused by loud sounds.
- Persistent pain on the affected side of the face.
- Complete loss of facial expressions.
- Involuntary muscle contractions. For example, when trying to smile, a person's eye may suddenly close.
- Impaired vision, the formation of ulcers on the cornea. Due to the fact that the eye is constantly open, the tissues dry out.
- Excessive tearing.
No one is immune from the development of these complications. However, the likelihood of their occurrence is lower with timely access to a medical facility.
In closing
Pathology is characterized by inflammation of one nerve from the seventh pair of cranial fibers. In the affected area, the process of conducting impulses is disrupted, as a result of which the muscles on either side of the face do not receive any commands. There is a pronounced asymmetry. On the affected part of the face, the eye is constantly open, the folds are erased, the corner of the mouth is lowered. The person is unable to blink, smile, or laugh. Speech is also somewhat disturbed. In this case, drug treatment of neuritis of the facial nerve andphysiotherapy. It is allowed to resort to alternative medicine.
