What are the symptoms of facial paralysis?
Symptoms such as shifting the mouth to one side while talking or laughing, difficulty closing the eyelids, neck pain, pain behind the ear, decreased tear and saliva secretion, and impaired sense of taste. These are the 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
Disturbance in taste in cold weather, behind the ear Pain 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 bending and decreased eye closing may not be noticed. Facial paralysis becomes completely evident within a few days. The most obvious sign of the facial nerve not working is the decrease or disappearance of movements on one side of the face, depending on the degree of paralysis. Decrease in tear secretion 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. Facial paralysis may increase or become more obvious 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 each half 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. 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 in one half of the face become weak or weakened. The eyelids and mouth cannot be moved. Facial paralysis may be permanent or temporary, depending on the factor that causes it. Decrease in weight, excessive stress and exposure to cold weather and wind are the reasons that increase facial paralysis. There is usually no obvious underlying cause for facial paralysis. If it is not diagnosed, it 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 involves the muscles of the face. It occurs when the stimulating nerve (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?
Facial paralysis is diagnosed by detailed neurological and physical examination. For this reason, the neurologist and ear, nose and throat specialist should evaluate the patient. The patient needs to have a brain MRI to check for tumors, vascular diseases and inflammatory conditions in the brain.
What is the prevention and treatment of facial paralysis?
When going out in cold windy weather and seasonal transitions, 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 the patients are cured. The benefits of these drugs are not obvious in the late period. Facial exercises are also very important to ensure rapid recovery of 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, the standard practice is to treat all cases. It is recommended to start treatment early to prevent nerve damage; Treatment should be started within 5 days after the development of paralysis. Most of the cases Considering that it will heal 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?
Most of the symptoms of facial paralysis are cosmetic. Although it is considered, this is only the first problem that affects people and comes to mind. In addition, psychological problems, eye problems due to the eye being left open, difficulty sleeping, and problems in daily and social life occur. Therefore, the patient's quality of life decreases significantly.
What are the general treatments for facial paralysis?
Eye protection: Dry eyes caused by decreased tear secretion and loss of the 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 pomades 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, most patients with facial paralysis experience anxiety and despair. The neurologist who undertakes the treatment of the patient In addition to physical and cosmetic problems, the patient should also be responsible 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 the cases. Anxiety-relieving medications can be used when necessary.
What is physical therapy done in facial paralysis?
First of all, face lifting exercises and massage are performed along with medication treatment in the early period to prevent the muscles from wasting. 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 performed by physiotherapists. Facial muscle exercises: Active exercise by the patient is beneficial in preserving muscle tone. Twice a day, in front of the mirror, perform the muscles of raising the eyebrows from top to bottom, closing the eyes, wrinkling the nose, whistling, puffing out the cheeks and grinning. should do exercises. Facial exercise also has psychological support, most patients are motivated by the gradual improvement in the face with the return of function.
Other treatments applied in facial paralysis
Vitamins: Various vitamins, especially B group vitamins, are used to help nerve recovery.
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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