Facial Palsy
Facial palsy is a neurological disorder expressed as partial paralysis or weakness of the facial muscles, named after the Facial nerve, which is responsible for the movement of the facial muscles. The condition usually appears without a known cause and leads to considerable difficulties in functioning while speaking, drinking, eating and making facial expressions, in […]
Facial palsy is a neurological disorder expressed as partial paralysis or weakness of the facial muscles, named after the Facial nerve, which is responsible for the movement of the facial muscles. The condition usually appears without a known cause and leads to considerable difficulties in functioning while speaking, drinking, eating and making facial expressions, in addition to an unaesthetic external appearance. Chinese medicine, including Chinese acupuncture and Tuina, has been proven effective in treating the disorder.
What are the causes of facial palsy?
In 70% of cases, the cause of facial palsy is unknown. That is, no diseases or problems are found in the test results that could explain the facial paralysis. In cases where there is a cause, it can be ongoing psychological stress, damage from the herpes virus, a prolonged flu, an injury to the skull bone through which the facial nerve passes, diabetes, pregnancy, a tumor in or near the head that causes pressure on the nerve, and more.
Prevalence of the condition
Facial palsy is fairly common, especially considering the fact that it’s a condition with no clear cause. About 13 to 20 people out of every 100,000 will suffer from it each year, equally between the two sexes and across all ages. However, there is an increase in the prevalence of the condition among men and women aged 15-45. In addition, the condition has been found to be more common during the winter and in the third trimester of pregnancy.
What are the symptoms of facial palsy?
As mentioned, facial palsy is expressed as partial paralysis of the face, but the range of symptoms will differ from patient to patient. Usually, the main shared symptoms are drooping eyelids, weakening of the forehead muscles, drooping of the corner of the mouth, and sagging cheeks, all occurring on one side of the face. Additional but less common symptoms are pain behind or in front of the ear on the paralyzed side, a constant headache, dry eyes, a change in the amount of saliva in the mouth, and loss of taste sensation at the tip of the tongue.
How long does facial palsy last, and is it dangerous?
Facial palsy is not a dangerous condition, aside from the discomfort and the aesthetic issue. However, in cases where it results from damage to the nerve – whether due to injury or a tumor – immediate treatment of the source of the problem is required. If the cause is unknown and all the tests performed are found to be normal, the paralysis will pass on its own within a few weeks, except in people who develop irreversible damage expressed as a drooping corner of the mouth.
Diagnosing the condition
Facial palsy is diagnosed by ruling out other diseases. It usually appears after about 48-72 hours of ear pain and numbness in certain areas of the face. After blood tests, imaging and additional tests – the doctor will be able to determine that it is indeed facial palsy.
Chinese medicine in the treatment of facial palsy
The conventional treatment in Western medicine is the administration of steroids, whose effect is slow and not always guaranteed. Chinese medicine, which believes in the connection between body and mind, has a significant effect on the speed of recovery through treatment of the source of the problem. According to Chinese medicine, facial palsy is caused by a deficiency of Qi and by exposure to cold and wind in the facial area. Among the most common and effective treatments for facial palsy are Chinese acupuncture and Tuina, whose short-term goal is to bring blood and energy flow to the facial muscles, and whose long-term goal is to strengthen the immune system and prevent the recurrence of facial palsy. Pressing on the energetic points, both in Chinese acupuncture and in Tuina, improves blood flow and helps release and relieve accumulated tension, which is considered the main cause of facial palsy. These treatments have been proven effective and are also recommended by doctors.
Recurring facial palsy
Facial palsy recurs in about 10% of those affected within 10 years of the first occurrence. To prevent a repeat injury, it is recommended to perform preventive treatments – massages in the facial area, avoiding direct exposure to wind and air conditioning, maintaining the immune system, and complementary medicine treatments such as Chinese acupuncture, herbal medicine and Tuina.