Doctors share how to deal with facial paralysis in family members

Peripheral facial paralysis often starts suddenly within a few hours with signs of mouth distortion, inability to wrinkle the forehead, and easy spillage of food and drink. Early detection and timely treatment help increase the chance of recovery.

How to detect peripheral facial paralysis early

Specialist Doctor Vo Van Long - Head of the Day Treatment Unit, University of Medicine and Pharmacy Hospital, Ho Chi Minh City - Facility 3 said that peripheral facial paralysis often occurs suddenly, within a few hours to 1-2 days with signs such as mouth crooked to one side, unable to wrinkle the forehead, unable to close the paralyzed eye, easy spillage of food and drink, drooling, loss or reduction of taste in half of the tongue on the same side, pain behind the ear or numbness in the face.

"The important point is that central facial paralysis (due to stroke) also has a distorted mouth, but usually the forehead can still be wrinkled and is accompanied by weakness in the limbs. Therefore, when there are sudden symptoms, it is necessary to differentiate immediately so as not to miss a stroke," Dr. Long emphasized.

The immediate thing to do is to take the patient to the hospital as soon as possible (preferably within the first 72 hours). The doctor will rule out stroke, then diagnose and treat peripheral hemiplegia. Do not arbitrarily use drugs such as corticosteroids, antiviral drugs, traditional medicine or folk remedies that require prescription, to avoid causing harm.

Not closing your eyes can easily lead to dry corneas and corneal ulcers. Use artificial tears, eye drops regularly, and cover your eyes with clean gauze when sleeping to protect your eyes.

Early recognition of peripheral facial paralysis and timely treatment increases the chance of recovery.

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How to treat?

In modern medicine, doctors will use appropriate doses of anti-inflammatory drugs for 7-10 days to shorten the recovery time. In some cases, antiviral drugs are combined. Rehabilitation physical therapy (massage, facial muscle exercises) is effective if performed correctly.

From the perspective of traditional medicine, peripheral facial paralysis is treated with methods such as acupuncture, acupressure massage, and moxibustion, which are methods recognized by WHO and the Vietnamese Ministry of Health as effective in recovering from peripheral facial paralysis. Early treatment often gives better results.

Home care:

• Practice facial movements in front of the mirror (wrinkle your forehead, puff your cheeks, whistle, and exercise your mouth muscles).
• Eat soft, easy-to-swallow foods, avoid foods that are too hot or too hard.
• Keep face warm, avoid direct wind.
• Keep your mind relaxed and get enough sleep, because prolonged stress can make the disease worse.

When do you need an urgent re-examination?

According to Dr. Long, you should see a doctor again if you have additional symptoms of weak limbs, difficulty speaking, blurred vision, or suspected stroke.

Red eyes, pain, watery eyes, risk of corneal ulcers.

After 2-3 weeks, symptoms do not improve or the disease gets worse.

"Peripheral facial paralysis usually has a good prognosis, most patients recover within 3-6 months if treated early and properly cared for. However, it is necessary to go to a medical facility as soon as it starts to get an accurate diagnosis, to avoid confusion with stroke and other neurological diseases," Dr. Long advised.

Source: https://thanhnien.vn/bac-si-chia-se-cach-xu-tri-khi-co-nguoi-nha-bi-liet-mat-185250924151752787.htm