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 paralysis. The patient is not able to show emotions, he cannot even chew food normally. His face is asymmetrical and skewed. In most cases, facial muscles fail only on one side. In 2% of cases, both parts are involved in the pathological process. Regardless of the severity of symptoms, treatment of facial neuritis cannot 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, spasm of blood vessels occurs. Liquid connective tissue stagnates in the capillaries, which results in their expansion. 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. He, in turn, compresses both the blood and lymph vessels.
A logical 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 tissue. In other words, the latter do not receive commands and are simply inactive. In this case, it is customary to talk about facial neuritis.
Etiology
The exact causes of the disease are currently unknown. However, it is proved that the following factors are provoking:
- Active life of the herpes virus. This pathogen is present in the body of more people and does not harm. However, against the background of a weakened immune system, the process of its active reproduction starts. A favorite place for the localization of the virus is nerve fibers.
- Local hypothermia. A vivid 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 use of alcohol-containing drinks. Alcohol is the main enemy of the nervous system.
- Hypertension. Against the background of this disease, intracranial pressure often rises. The consequence is damage to the nucleus of the facial nerve.
- The presence of neoplasms of the brain. The tumor pinches the nerve, due to which the process of conducting impulses is disrupted.
- Traumatic brain injuries. They are always accompanied by damage to the nerve tissue. Edema forms in the affected area, and the inflammation spreads to the entire fiber.
- The sinusitis and otitis 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 nutritional components are clogged with plaques. As a result, he begins to suffer from hypoxia and sooner or later dies.
- Staying long under stress.
- Multiple sclerosis. The course of 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 in the body of the expectant mother cardinal changes occur.
Regardless of the cause of neuritis of the facial nerve, it is unacceptable to tighten the treatment (photo of the affected area of the face below). Ignoring the pathology often leads to irreparable consequences.
Clinical manifestations
The disease is characterized by acute onset. If the symptomatology develops slowly, then the cause of its appearance is not neuritis. The table below describes the manifestations of 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 the appearance of changes in facial expressions | The affected nerve swells. It pinches in the area of exit from the auditory opening |
| Asymmetry of the face is visible to the naked eye. The affected side is associated with the mask. The corner of the mouth is down, the eye is wide open, the folds in the nose and forehead are smoothed. Asymmetry is more noticeable during conversation, crying and laughing | The brain is no longer able to control the facial muscles localized on the affected part of the face |
| The eye located on the affected area does not close even when you try to squint. The apple turns up | The circular muscle of the eye is poorly innervated. Veko cannot be controlled at all |
| It becomes extremely difficult to consume liquid food, as it spills from the lowered corner of the mouth. But the patient is still able to chew | The buccal branches of the nerve fiber can no longer control the circular muscle of the oral cavity |
| Muscles localized in the cheek do not obey. For it constantly gets food. During a meal, a person constantly bites his cheek | Pulses from the facial nerve cease to come to the muscles of the cheek |
| Constant thirst, dry mouth. During the meal, the food is not sufficiently wetted by saliva. Less often, on the contrary, its increased production is noted | The salivary glands receive distorted impulses from the brain |
| Slurred speech, especially hard to pronounce consonants | The facial nerve normally provides the lips and cheeks with normal functioning. Against the background of the course of pathology, their work is deteriorating |
| Violation of the process of perception of taste. The front of the tongue from the affected area does not feel it | Inflammation of the intermediate nerve occurs, the task of which is to transfer impulses from receptors to the brain |
| Dry eyes or, on the contrary, excessive lacrimation | The consequence of nerve damage is disruption of the lacrimal gland |
| Hearing becomes more sensitive. Sounds sound a lot louder than they really are. | The facial nerve is affected in close proximity to the auditory receptors. |
An experienced doctor can detect the presence of facial neuritis by symptoms. Treatment of pathology depends on the localization of the inflammatory process. With timely medical attention, the healing process is much easier and faster.
Diagnostics
A neurologist is involved in the treatment of facial neuritis. As mentioned above, a competent specialist already at the time of initial admission can make a diagnosis. But to confirm it requires a comprehensive survey, including:
- Clinical blood test.
- MRI
- CT
- Electroneurography.
- Electromyography.
Based on the diagnostic results, the doctor draws up the most effective treatment regimen for facial neuritis. It includes conservative techniques.
Drug treatment
Preparations 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 | Drug Examples | Mechanism of action |
| Diuretics | "Furon", "Furosemide" | Contribute to the acceleration of the process of urine excretion from the body. As a result, tissues get rid of excess fluid, which is an effective prevention of compression of blood vessels and the formation of edema of the nerve fiber |
| NSAIDs | Nurofen, Nise, Nimesil | Against the background of drug 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. |
| 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, the body starts the process of active production of a neurotransmitter. This is a special substance that significantly improves the conductivity of pulses along the fibers. Also, taking these funds is an excellent prevention of contracture formation. |
| Antiviral drugs | Acyclovir, Zovirax | Prevent the active activity of the herpes virus, which is often the causative agent of neuritis |
| Antispasmodics | Spazgan, No-shpa | After administration, painful sensations stop, blood circulation in the focus of pathology improves significantly, spasm of smooth muscles is eliminated, arteries expand |
| Neurotropic drugs | Phenytoin, Carbamazepine | Normalize mineral metabolism in nerve fibers, due to which their functioning is normalized. The active components of the drugs help to relieve pain and reduce the frequency of episodes of involuntary contraction of muscle fibers |
| Vitamins | Pyridoxine, Thiamine, Riboflavin | In the presence of pathology, these drugs are mandatory. Treatment of neuritis of the facial nerve cannot be maximally effective if the administration of agents containing B vitamins is not included in the treatment regimen. 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, Proserin | Against the background of reception, the process of conducting nerve impulses improves. In addition, muscle tone increases and the work of the glands (both salivary and lacrimal) is normalized |
Treatment of facial neuritis is carried out in a hospital. In some cases, the doctor allows for outpatient therapy.
According to medical reviews, treatment of facial neuritis does not take much time only with timely treatment to a medical institution. As practice shows, uncontrolled medication leads to the development of all kinds of complications. In particular, facial expressions may not recover (the affected part is schematically shown below in the photo).
In the treatment of facial neuritis, symptoms play a decisive role. For example, if a patient's taste perception is impaired, muscles and severe dry mouth are paralyzed, then the pathology focus is localized in that part of the fiber that is in the temporal bone pyramid. 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 methods for treating facial neuritis. According to medical reviews, against the background of physiotherapy, the healing process is significantly accelerated.
The most effective procedures:
- UHF The basis of this method of treating facial neuritis is the ability of tissues to partially absorb an ultrahigh-frequency electric field. During the procedure, charged particles enter the cells, due to which the metabolic processes normalize. Locally, the temperature of the tissues rises, blood circulation in the affected area improves, edema disappears. In addition, against the background of physiotherapy, the number of blood cells, the task of which is the destruction of pathogenic microorganisms, is increasing. 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 logical consequence is the relief of pain and a decrease in the severity of the inflammatory process. Biodose is determined by the doctor individually. The course of treatment may include up to 20 procedures.
- UHF. The essence of the method consists in exposing the pathology focus to ultra-high frequency electromagnetic decimeter waves. The result 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, a constant continuous electric current acts on the pathology focus. At the same time, it has a minimum strength and voltage indicator. Against the background of physiotherapy, the inflammatory process stops, the pain and swelling disappear. With the help of current, drugs are introduced into the focus of the pathology. This allows you to achieve the maximum concentration of active components in the affected area.
- Diadynamic therapy. The essence of the method is as follows: constant pulsed currents pass through the skin and penetrate the muscle fibers, so that 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 weakened significantly. Against the background of diadynamic therapy, tissues are strengthened. In addition, excess fluid leaves the cells, nerve fibers are restored, and the production of special protective enzymes is activated.
- Paraffin baths. They have several mechanisms of influence: chemical, mechanical and thermal. Due to this, the functioning of the facial nerve is restored very quickly. In addition, paraffin baths are an excellent prevention of all kinds of complications. The duration of the session is about 40 minutes. The course of treatment includes from 10 to 20 procedures.
Regardless of the severity of symptoms, treatment of facial neuritis with 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 during treatment. In winter, it is advisable to cover the affected area with a scarf. In addition, experts advise after any procedure to be in the room for another quarter of an hour.
Features of treatment in children
According to statistics, pathology is very rarely diagnosed in babies. The main reason for the development of facial neuritis in children is birth injury. In addition, the disease can occur after hypothermia, as well as against the background of various ailments of an infectious nature.
Treatment of facial neuritis in children is similar to that shown by adults. The main objectives of therapy are to normalize the functioning of damaged fibers, eliminate edema, stop the inflammatory process and pain, improve microcirculation.
Treatment of facial neuritis in children with severe asymmetry involves a massage course. 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 performed by a doctor. Then it is allowed to carry out manipulations at home.
Treatment of facial neuritis also involves regular exercises 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 treatment of facial neuritis at home can be carried out only after consulting a doctor. The use of alternative methods does not eliminate the need to seek qualified medical help. This is due to the fact that the use of unconventional methods contributes to the relief of unpleasant symptoms, but cannot completely eliminate the pathology. The use of alternative methods can be considered solely 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 the ingredients thoroughly. Put the container on fire. Strain the product until 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. In the resulting mixture, moisten a piece of gauze. 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 almost never does without the use of honey.This is due to the fact that this healing product is a highly effective anti-inflammatory agent. The recipe for medicinal mass: take 1 tbsp. lhoney, protein of one egg and juice squeezed from a large bulb. The protein needs to be thoroughly beaten, outwardly it should look like a stable foam. Add onion juice and honey melted in a water bath. Apply the resulting product to linen. Apply a compress to your face. The number of procedures is 10. They need to be carried out daily.
- Regardless of the severity of symptoms of facial neuritis, treatment of the disease with folk remedies should include taking royal jelly. The tool must be consumed in its purest form. Dosage regimen - 5 mg three times a day. 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 be carried out with the help of medical mustard plasters. To enhance the therapeutic effect, it is recommended to apply a mass of them, 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 gauze tissue folded in several layers, and then place a mustard with a healing mass on it. Repeat the procedure every other day. The course of therapy includes 10 sessions.
- When treating facial neuritis at home, it is recommended to take infusions and decoctions based on medicinal plants. A highly effective remedy for the disease is burdock root. Need to take 4 tbsp. l previously dried and crushed raw materials and pour it with 1 liter of boiling water. Allow the liquid to infuse for 12 hours. Strain. Take 50 ml before meals 4 times a day. In the resulting infusion, you can also moisten a fabric of cotton or linen and apply it to the affected part of the face.
- Cut off a few leaves of a golden mustache. Rinse and grind raw materials. Pour in golden mustache 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 shredded calendula flowers. Pour raw materials 1 liter of boiling water. Allow the liquid to infuse for 3 hours. Strain. Use the infusion three times a day before meals, 200 ml. To improve taste, honey can be added to the liquid.
- Dilute red clay with boiling water so that the consistency of the mass resembles thick sour cream. Cool the product a little so that it does not burn the skin. Form a cake about 3 cm thick from the resulting mass. Place it on 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 with neuritis perfectly.
- Collect black elderberry. Crush them to a mushy state. The resulting mass is applied to the focus of the 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 must be completed.
Effects
The outcome of the disease directly depends on the timeliness of going to the doctor. After treatment of facial neuritis, 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 damaged fiber will not recover. If the clinical manifestations do not disappear after 9 months, doctors recommend resorting to plastic surgery. Surgery does not fix the problem, but significantly improves the appearance of the face.
Possible consequences of neuritis:
- Complete loss of sensitivity of the front of the tongue.
- Persistent excessive salivation.
- Decreased sensitivity of the skin and oral cavity.
- Violation of the innervation of the stirrup muscle. The latter performs a protective function, protecting the ear from injuries that may be received by loud sounds.
- Constant pain on the affected side of the face.
- Complete loss of facial expressions.
- Involuntary contractions of muscle tissue. For example, when you try to smile, a person may suddenly close his eyes.
- Visual impairment, ulceration on the cornea. Due to the fact that the eye is constantly open, the tissues dry out.
- Excessive lacrimation.
Not a single person is immune from the development of these complications. However, the likelihood of their occurrence is lower with timely contact to a medical institution.
Finally
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. A pronounced asymmetry appears. On the affected part of the face, the eye is constantly open, wrinkles are erased, the corner of the mouth is lowered. A person is not able to either blink, nor smile, or laugh. Speech is also somewhat disturbed. In this case, drug treatment of facial neuritis and physiotherapy are indicated. It is allowed to resort to alternative medicine.