What are the symptoms of facial paralysis?
Mouth shifting to one side when talking or laughing, difficulty closing the eyelids, neck pain, pain behind the ear, decreased tear and saliva secretion, and decreased sense of taste. Findings such as distortion are symptoms of facial paralysis. Particularly in cold weather, windy weather and seasonal changes, attention should be paid to facial paralysis.
Pay attention to the first symptoms of facial paralysis
In cold weather, taste loss, pain behind the ear and neck pain may be the first symptoms of facial paralysis. For this reason, early diagnosis may sometimes be delayed. In the early stages, mouth tilt and decrease in eye closing may not be noticed. Within a few days, facial paralysis becomes completely apparent. The most obvious sign of facial nerve dysfunction is the decrease or loss of movements on one side of the face, depending on the degree of paralysis. Decreased tear and saliva secretion and impaired sense of taste are other symptoms of facial paralysis.
How does facial paralysis develop?
The development of facial paralysis usually occurs within a day or two. occurs, facial paralysis may increase or become more pronounced within 3-5 days. Depending on the degree of paralysis, recovery occurs within weeks to months.
How does the facial nerve work?
The nerves of both halves of the face are separate. That's why any problems with the facial nerve of one side only occur on the same side. The facial nerve starts from the brain and moves under the eye, where it branches. Thanks to the facial nerve, our facial muscles work. Our speaking, chewing, facial expressions and emotions occur thanks to our facial muscles. Tears, secretions and our sense of taste are controlled by the facial nerve. Facial paralysis is a clinical condition seen as a result of facial nerve damage. The muscles on one half of the face become weak or weakened. The eyelids and mouth cannot be moved. Facial paralysis can be permanent or temporary, depending on the factor that causes it
What are the reasons that increase facial paralysis?
Causes that increase facial paralysis are diabetes, vitamin deficiencies, decreased immune system. or decreased resistance in the body, excessive stress and cold weather exposure to wind Exposure is the reason that increases facial paralysis. Usually, no obvious cause for facial paralysis is detected; this is called idiopathic facial paralysis. Apart from this, facial paralysis may occur due to cerebral vascular occlusion, cerebral vascular abnormalities, multiple sclerosis, inflammatory conditions of the brain, otitis media, brain tumors, head trauma and genetic reasons. Facial paralysis occurs when the nerve that stimulates the muscles of the face (facial nerve) is affected for any reason. Facial paralysis usually occurs as a result of inflammation of the facial nerve, which passes through a bone canal behind the ear, due to the deterioration of body resistance. In this case, shifts occur in the mouth and different parts of the face, and symptoms such as the inability to close the eyes are observed. This condition distorts the shape of the face and speech, and failure to close the eye may lead to infection.
How is facial paralysis diagnosed?
The diagnosis of facial paralysis is made in detail by neurological and physical aspects. examination is performed. Therefore, neurology and otolaryngologist should evaluate the patient. The patient needs to have a brain MRI to check for tumors, vascular diseases and inflammation in the brain.
What is the prevention and treatment of facial paralysis?
Do not go out in cold windy weather and during seasonal transitions. When going out, a beret, shawl and scarf should be used to protect the face and head from the cold. After bathing, one should not go out until the hair is completely dried, and when the face comes into contact with water, one should not leave the environment after drying. This disease usually occurs during stressful times and when the immune system is weakened. We can reduce the risk of facial paralysis by eating healthy and reducing stress. Facial paralysis is a treatable disease. For this reason, patients with signs of facial paralysis should immediately consult a neurologist. Some medications are given to patients in the early stages. 90% of patients are cured. In the late term, the benefit of these drugs is not evident. Facial exercises are also very important to ensure rapid recovery from facial paralysis. Although it has been shown that very satisfactory recovery results are achieved in cases of facial paralysis that are followed up without treatment, standard practice is to treat all cases. It is treatment. It is recommended to start treatment early to prevent nerve damage; Treatment should be started within 5 days after the development of paralysis. Considering that most cases will recover without any treatment, care should be taken to keep the risk of side effects of the chosen treatment method to a minimum. Treatment methods include general prevention, physical therapy, steroid therapy, antiviral treatment, and surgical decompression.
How does facial paralysis affect people?
What are the symptoms of facial paralysis? Although most of them are thought to be cosmetic, this is the first problem that only affects people and comes to mind. In addition, there are psychological problems, eye problems due to the eye being left open, difficulty in sleeping, and problems in daily and social life. Therefore, the patient's quality of life decreases significantly.
What are the general treatments for facial paralysis?
Eye protection: Decreased tear secretion and eye protection. Dry eyes caused by loss of blink reflex are quite disturbing. Eye protection should be applied in all cases to prevent the risk of developing eye inflammation (such as keratitis). For this purpose, artificial tear drops, antibiotic and moisturizing eye ointments are used and the eye is covered with patches to prevent it from remaining open at night.
Psychotherapy: Since it is a remarkable condition that develops acutely, patients with facial paralysis are used. Many of them experience anxiety and despair. The neurologist who undertakes the treatment should be responsible for the patient's physical and cosmetic problems, as well as for the emotions and psychological dimensions of the disease. For this reason, concerns should be resolved by providing appropriate information about the disease and it should be explained that recovery will begin within 2-3 weeks in 85% of cases. Anxiety-relieving medications can be used when necessary.
What is physical therapy done in facial paralysis?
First of all, face lift exercises and massage are used to prevent the muscles from wasting along with drug treatment in the early period. makes. Massage and exercises increase blood circulation in the facial muscles and are also useful for maintaining muscle tone. After 2 weeks, electrical therapy and heat therapy can be applied to physiotherapy.
Facial muscle exercises: Active exercise by the patient is beneficial in terms of maintaining muscle tone. Muscle exercises such as raising the eyebrows from top to bottom, closing the eyes, wrinkling the nose, whistling, puffing the cheeks and grinning in front of the mirror should be done twice a day. Fascial exercise also has psychological support, most patients are motivated by the gradual improvement in the face with the return of function.
Other treatments for facial paralysis
Vitamins : Various vitamins, especially B group vitamins, are used to help nerve healing.
Anti-inflammatory drugs: Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs are also frequently used in treatment due to their anti-edema effects; However, they do not need to be used separately in patients receiving steroid treatment.
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