All about the causes, symptoms and treatment of facial neuritis

November 22, 2018
Treatment methods
Tatiana Voitik

Facial nerve neuropathy, according to experts, is the most common neurological disease. It is characterized by immobility of the facial muscles in the affected area. The pathology negatively affects a person’s quality of life, as it is accompanied not only by unpleasant sensations, but also becomes obvious to people around him. As a result, it causes physical and moral discomfort.

Features of the pathology

In most cases, neuritis develops in older people, and in women much more often. But there are exceptions when the disease is diagnosed even in children.

This occurs as a result of inflammation of the nerve responsible for the correct interaction of all facial muscles. In addition, its function is to maintain the normal functioning and sensitivity of the taste buds of the lacrimal gland and tongue.

Under the influence of provoking factors, this relationship can be disrupted, which leads to the development of a pathological process. Symptoms and treatment of facial neuritis can vary dramatically. Therefore, it is recommended that if discomfort occurs, consult a doctor to identify the root cause of the discomfort.

But despite the seriousness of the disease, facial neuritis can be treated at home, as an addition to the main therapy, which will help eliminate discomfort.

Causes of the disease

Before starting treatment for inflammation of the facial nerve, it is necessary to find out the cause of its occurrence. This will help you prescribe treatment as correctly as possible. Facial neuritis can occur as a result of inflammation of the middle ear. Sometimes the disease is the result of injuries to the base of the skull, ear or face. The presence of infectious diseases of the face and ear also leads to neuritis of the facial nerve.

The disease can occur as a result of intoxication, hypothermia, or improper actions of the dentist. If blood circulation is impaired, this disease also develops against the background of a cold. Diagnosis of facial nerve neuritis consists of identifying the causes to eliminate which treatment is directed.

Symptoms of the disease

The facial nerve is responsible for the activity of the facial muscles. When it becomes inflamed, a person experiences a feeling of stiffening of the face. The patient's appearance during this period deteriorates significantly. His face becomes distorted and the corners of his mouth droop on one or both sides. If the facial nerve is inflamed on one or both sides, then the eyelids of the corresponding eye open wide and the patient cannot close them.

The presence of the disease can be judged by the numbness of the face. A person loses the ability to control facial muscles. Some patients complain of increased sensitivity to loud sounds and changes in taste sensations. The presence of tinnitus and pain in this area are also a symptom of the disease. Patients complain of hearing loss. The disease can cause watery or dry eyes. Some patients with this disease experience scanty salivation, while others experience excessive salivation.

The appearance of these symptoms indicates the close location of the facial nerve to the intermediate and auditory nerves. With severe inflammation of the facial nerve, these nerves are also involved in the pathological process. During neuritis, a person experiences acute pain in the facial area. The pain is characterized by paroxysmal pain. It appears in the following areas of the face:

lips;
gum;
jaws;
language.

With neuritis of the facial nerve, pain can occur as a result of talking, brushing teeth, or strong emotions. When this disease appears, the patient cannot live a full life. The slightest movements of the facial muscles cause him discomfort.

During active treatment of facial nerve neuritis, as well as in severe forms of the disease, watching TV and the load on the facial muscles is better to reduce. This will help avoid excessive tearing, tension in the facial muscles and, accordingly, speed up the healing process.

Important! Only a doctor can establish an accurate diagnosis after a comprehensive examination.

Symptoms

A distinctive feature of the disease is facial asymmetry, as shown in the photo. Treatment of neuritis of the facial nerve should be carried out immediately, as soon as the first signs begin to appear, which will allow you to get rid of the pathology in the shortest possible time.

First, a characteristic pain behind the ear appears. After 1-2 days, the nasal fold is smoothed out, the corner of the mouth moves down, and the face warps to the healthy side.

Subsequently, additional signs of the disease appear:

complete or partial immobility of the affected area;
the frontal fold disappears;
the eye on the immobilized side is more open, since its orbicularis muscle does not function;
the eyebrow does not move;
when eating or drinking, food falls out of the mouth;
it is impossible to close or squint the eye;
hard food begins to get stuck behind the cheek;
the secretion of tears and saliva is reduced;
taste is impaired;
sound and perception are distorted, which causes unpleasant sensations.

Symptoms of facial neuritis and treatment directly depend on the root cause of the disease. Therefore, it is recommended to undergo an examination at the first signs and identify the main problem that gave impetus to the development of the pathological process.

Symptoms of the disease

Neuritis of the facial nerve always manifests itself acutely; symptoms, according to patient reviews, develop over one to two days, so diagnosing and starting timely treatment is not difficult.

The disease can be recognized by one of the signs (or all at once):

pain behind the ear that radiates to the back of the head, face and eyes,
distortion of the face, which becomes like a mask,
absence of nasolabial and frontal folds on the damaged side,
it is impossible to close the eye on the side affected by the disease,
impaired lip mobility,
hearing loss,
drooping corner of the mouth,
drooling due to inability to close the mouth completely,
feeling of dry mouth,
speech disorder,
watery or dry eyes
disturbance in the sense of taste.

If the above symptoms appear and your face looks like in the photo, you must immediately consult a neurologist who will diagnose neuritis of the facial nerve and prescribe a course of necessary treatment.

It should be remembered that if you seek help late and receive improper therapy, muscle paralysis may remain forever.

Reasons for development

Inflammation of the nerve does not always provoke the development of neuritis. This requires an additional factor in the form of mechanical or physical impact. Therefore, the causes and treatment of facial neuritis can vary significantly.

The main provoking factors of the disease.

Viral infection. In this case, neuritis is a complication after a viral illness. Most often it is provoked by pathogens of herpes zoster and lichen ruber.
Hypothermia of the body, both general and local. In rare cases, the disease can develop due to local exposure to air conditioning or drafts. But often this occurs as a result of a person’s prolonged exposure to the cold, as well as frostbite of the body.
Reduced immunity. It is this reason that is the impetus for the development of many diseases, including neuritis. This is due to the fact that the body is not able to resist the negative effects of infections and bacteria. Therefore, they freely penetrate inside.
Serious emotional turmoil. This factor, both positive and negative, causes depletion of the body’s vitality. And as a result, immunity is significantly reduced, which leads to a weakening of protective functions. But most often this is facilitated by prolonged depression, chronic fatigue, and constant stress.
Unbalanced diet. This reason is indirect, which can subsequently lead to the appearance of neuralgia. Most often this is due to bad habits, strict diets and low-quality products. As a result, this leads to a decrease in the body's resistance to infections and bacteria.
Mechanical impact. Any bruises and fractures of the face also affect the nerve. Therefore, sometimes old injuries can resemble neuritis.
Dental diseases. Often the provocateur of neuritis is osteomyelitis. In this case, the pathology can affect the diseased part of the face, affecting not only the facial nerve, but also the teeth, soft tissues, and salivary glands.

Experts say that rapid treatment of facial neuritis is possible only if the provoking factor is correctly identified. Therefore, it is recommended to initially undergo an examination, and only then begin therapy.

Rules for treating facial neuritis at home

Treatment of the disease should be carried out in consultation with a doctor. Home remedies are used as an addition to the main treatment for mild pinching or inflammation at the initial stage.

In case of swelling, acute prolonged pain, or serious disturbance of facial expression, self-medication is prohibited. Otherwise, the disease can lead to serious health complications.

Basic recommendations for treating facial neuritis with folk remedies:

Healing procedures must be applied regularly until the condition improves.
When treating the facial nerve with folk remedies, you should pay attention to the body’s reaction; if the situation worsens, therapy should be stopped.
Components for treatment must be selected taking into account individual characteristics.
It is not recommended to go outside after applying heat compresses, so it is better to do them in the evening.
Treatment of neuritis of the facial nerve with folk remedies in a child is permissible only in consultation with a doctor.

Let's consider the main methods of home therapy.

Facial neuritis: symptoms, treatment with folk remedies

Not only a doctor can diagnose this disease. You can do this yourself, but to clarify the diagnosis, it is still better to consult a doctor.

Indicators of facial nerve neuritis are the following symptoms:

complete impairment of motor function of muscles (paralysis) or partial (paresis of the facial nerve);
pain behind the ear;
skin sensitivity is reduced or completely absent;
increased lacrimation or its complete absence;
salivation disorders;
auditory function disorders;
taste disturbances;
Eating liquid food is difficult.

Before treating the facial nerve at home, you must consult a doctor who will assess the severity of the disease and the risk of complications.

About 98% of patients with inflammation of the facial nerve have pronounced facial asymmetry, and only 2% of patients have damage to two branches of the nerve on both sides of the face.

Salt compress

This method of therapy does not require any complex manipulations. It is most effective to use salt as “dry” heat.

For treatment, you need to heat the component in a dry, clean frying pan. After this, pour the salt into a bag made of natural fabric and tie it. Apply a “dry” heating pad to the affected area and hold until it cools completely. If the initial temperature of the salt is too high, then it is necessary to make a layer of fabric between the cheek and the compress. It is recommended to repeat the procedure 3 times a day until the pain is completely relieved.

This method of folk treatment for neuritis of the facial nerve is very effective. But it is worth understanding that the desired result can only be achieved with regular heating of the affected area. If missed, treatment will be useless.

Wormwood therapy

This healing component can be used both externally and internally.

The most effective recipes for folk remedies based on wormwood.

Applications. For treatment, fresh greens of the plant are needed. It needs to be finely chopped and poured with boiling water to form a paste. Add 10 ml of sea buckthorn oil to the mixture and stir. Make an application from the green mass onto the affected area. Cover the top with polyethylene and insulate with a scarf. Keep the product until it cools completely. Repeat 2 times daily.
Decoction. Pour boiling water (500 ml) over 30 g of herb collection. Let the product sit for 90 minutes and then remove any impurities. Drink the medicine 30 ml 5 times daily. To improve the taste, you can add 20 ml of honey immediately before taking.
Poultices. Pour 25 g of dried herb collection into 150 ml of milk. Boil for 10 minutes, without letting the mixture boil too much. Set aside the product. Lay polyethylene on the pillow and place a napkin made of natural fabric on top. Place boiled wormwood on it. Lie on top of the compress on your sore cheek. Remain in this position until the product cools down. To eliminate the unpleasant symptoms of the disease, it is enough to carry out 5 such procedures once a day.

Cabbage lotions

According to reviews, treatment of facial nerve neuritis using this method helps to quickly eliminate discomfort and restore muscle mobility.

The essence of it is as follows:

select 3-4 whole juicy cabbage leaves;
boil them and cool slightly;
apply warm leaves to the affected part;
cover the top with film and then secure with a scarf;
After cooling, replace the leaves with new ones.

Repeat lotions regularly twice a day. If the recommendations are strictly followed, this method will give quick and effective results. It is permissible to use this method of treating facial neuritis in children.

Healing honey

This component is effective both as part of therapeutic masks and as a general tonic.

The most effective recipes are those with the addition of honey.

Healing mask. Mix 30 ml of honey with 1 egg until a uniform mixture is formed. Add 5 drops of lemon juice to the resulting mixture. Apply the treatment mask to the affected part of the face. Place film on top and secure with a warm scarf. After 40 min. remove the remedy with any decoction of medicinal herbs. Repeat therapy every day until you feel better.
Compress No. 1. Combine 4 parts low-fat cottage cheese with 1 part honey and mix. Spread the mixture on a gauze bandage and apply the compress to the immobilized part of the face. Place polyethylene on top and then insulate with a scarf. Remove the compress after 60 minutes. Repeat the therapeutic procedure twice throughout the day.
A remedy to strengthen the immune system. Combine dried apricots, raisins, honey, nuts and lemon zest in equal proportions. Grind all ingredients and stir the mixture. Take 30 g 3 times a day for 2 weeks.
Compress No. 2. Peel 1 medium sized onion. Grind it to a paste consistency, and then add 30 ml of honey and 20 ml of aloe juice. Mix the mass. Apply an even layer to the affected area. Place a film on top and then insulate with a warm scarf. Leave the product on for 1 hour, use warm water to remove the product. Therapy is carried out daily until the inflammatory process is completely eliminated.

Neuralgia - herbs, treatment

Herbalists consider traditional medicine to be very effective in combating neurological problems.
After all, such therapy can have a therapeutic, pain-relieving effect for a long time compared to drug therapy, which is contraindicated for long-term use. Mint

The plant is known for its calming and relaxing effects not only on the central nervous system, but also on all nerve endings in general. Boil 15 grams of dried mint in a glass of boiling water for about 8-10 minutes. Drink one hundred milliliters in the morning and at night.

Birch buds

It is very important to know that the buds are needed to bloom only halfway, so a handful of raw materials is poured with half a liter of vodka or concentrated alcohol; you can use it immediately after dilution in the form of rubbing sore spots or compresses; for the second case, the tincture needs to be diluted with a little water so as not to provoke burnt Do the procedures daily, but not longer than 15 days.

Yarrow

1 tbsp. combine herbs with 250 ml of boiled or thawed water, boil for 5 minutes over high heat, filter and use for pain three to five times a day, regardless of meals.

Aspen

Will be used for treatment in the form of baths. Boil the bark of young aspen in two liters of water, take enough raw material to form a concentrated decoction, pour it into a bath with main water and steam in this solution for ten minutes. Repeat the procedure every evening an hour and a half before bedtime until you feel relief.

Chamomile

Chamomile tea can generally be considered one of the most healing drinks; in the case of neuralgia, it is also very effective. You just need to pour boiling water over a handful of flowers, let it sit and drink 0.5 cups before meals 3 times every 12 hours.

Collection of herbs

Mix coltsfoot herbs, wormwood and birch leaves in equal proportions, pour 30 ml of kefir or whey into the mixture, grind everything into a paste and apply as a compress, immediately put the product on a bandage, then on the affected part of the body, wrap it with a cloth or secure it bandage, and sleep under a warm blanket. In the morning, wash off the remaining compress with soapy water. Repeat every three to four days until you feel better.

Mumiyo

Treatment of neuritis of the facial nerve with folk remedies based on this natural component allows you to quickly eliminate pain and relieve inflammation. But in order to maximize the benefits of the product, you must strictly adhere to the indicated dosage.

The best recipes:

Mix honey and mumiyo in equal volumes until smooth. Distribute the product over the affected area and gently rub into the skin. Cover the top with film and secure the compress with a scarf. Leave the compress until the morning, rinse off the residue with warm water. Therapy is carried out daily for 7 days.
Add 0.2 g of mumiyo to milk (200 ml), and then add 10 ml of honey. Drink the product at once. Full course - 3 weeks. If necessary, repeat therapy after a ten-day break.

Elderberries

Treatment of neuritis of the facial nerve with a folk remedy based on this component is carried out externally. To prepare it, you need to grind ripe elderberries until smooth. Distribute the resulting mass onto the face on the affected side. Place a film on top and insulate with a towel. The compress must be removed after 60 minutes.

Carry out the therapeutic procedure until the unpleasant symptoms are completely eliminated, using the product twice a day.

Consequences

If you start treatment for facial neuritis or ignore the doctor’s recommendations, the consequences can be serious:

synkinesis - friendly movements. Due to the disease, some of the nerve fibers die. Therefore, one nerve can control many muscles. Thus, when blinking, the corner of the mouth may rise;
muscle atrophy - can occur due to impaired innervation of muscles and their inactivity;
conjunctivitis - develops due to the inability to completely close the eyes;
spontaneous contraction of facial muscles;
muscle contracture - tightening of the facial muscles on the affected side of the face.

Is hospitalization required?

Treatment for facial neuritis must be started as quickly as possible to avoid irreversible consequences. Only a neurologist can prescribe the necessary treatment, including medications, physiotherapy, massage, physical therapy, and acupuncture. Due to the rather complex therapy and the possibility of serious consequences of the disease, the best solution would be hospitalization. Treatment in a day hospital under the supervision of a doctor is also possible.

Herbal therapy

According to reviews, the symptoms and treatment of facial neuritis can vary significantly depending on the root cause of the disease. But regardless of this, it is effective to use medicinal herbs to relieve pain and eliminate the inflammatory process.

The most effective recipes for remedies that can be used when unpleasant symptoms appear.

40 g of thyme must be wrapped in gauze. Place the package in a ceramic container and pour 50 ml of boiling water. When the water has cooled slightly, squeeze out the compress and apply to the inflamed area for 10 minutes. Keep the product until it cools down. Repeat therapy for 1 week 2 times a day.
Combine equal amounts of dried marjoram, lavender, basil and rosemary. Pour the mixture with vodka 1:10. Keep the product in the dark for 14 days. After time has passed, clean the tincture of impurities. Use the product to wipe the affected area 3 times a day. To improve the therapeutic effect, you need to wrap your cheek with a scarf.
Pour 500 ml of boiling water over 7 bay leaves. Let the product sit for 8 hours, covered with a lid. For treatment, it is necessary to moisten a gauze bandage in the infusion and apply it to the inflamed area. Insulate the top with a towel or scarf. Keep the compress until the gauze is completely dry.
Pour 20 g of mint into 250 ml of hot water, boil for 10 minutes, without letting the mixture boil too much. Leave the product to cool completely and clean. Take the medicine in 2 doses.
Pour 100 g of white acacia flowers into a ceramic container. Pour vodka, volume 100 ml. Infuse the product for 7 days in the dark. After time, clean the product and apply to lubricate the affected area 3 times a day.
Combine St. John's wort and linden flowers in equal proportions. Pour boiling water (200 ml) over the resulting mixture (30 g). Keep the product in a thermos for 8 hours. Drink 100 ml of purified medicine three times a day.
Pour 30 g of valerian rhizome into 250 ml of hot water, boil for 15 minutes, without letting the mixture boil too much. At the end of time, add 20 g of hawthorn flowers. Infuse the product for 30 minutes. Drink the purified product 3 times, 80 ml per day. Continue therapy until pain is completely eliminated.
Combine equal parts of anise, coltsfoot, linden flowers, raspberry leaves and willow bark. Pour 30 g of the medicinal mixture into 250 ml of hot water, and then boil for 5 minutes. Leave for 20 minutes, peel. Drink the decoction warm, 200 ml at a time. To improve the taste, add 20 g of honey before use.

Treatment of facial neuritis at home will be effective only if all the recommendations given are followed. It is also necessary to understand that traditional therapy is not able to eliminate the main cause of the pathological process, but only allows you to get rid of the unpleasant symptoms of the disease.

Treatment is medicinal

Drug treatment of facial nerve neuritis is carried out according to a specific scheme. Depending on the cause of the disease and its period, different remedies are effective:

glucocorticoids – Prednisolone, which has a strong anti-inflammatory effect;
antiviral drugs;
B vitamins – help improve the functioning of nerve fibers;
vasodilators - Nicotinic acid, Complamin - improve blood circulation;
decongestants – Furosemide, Triampur – to reduce edema and prevent the progression of pathological changes;
painkillers – Indomethacin;
anticholinesterase drugs - Prozerin, Galantamine - to improve the conductivity of nerve fibers;
medications that stimulate metabolic processes - Nerobol.

Prozerin

Prozerin is an anticholinesterase drug. It helps improve signal conduction along nerve fibers to muscles, which increases their tone and restores the functions of the affected nerve. Prozerin is prescribed from the second week of treatment, one tablet 1-2 times a day, thirty minutes before meals. The course is a month and a half. If contracture of the facial muscles appears, the drug is discontinued.

A nicotinic acid

Nicotinic acid is a vasodilator vitamin. Prescribed to improve blood circulation in the area of the inflamed nerve. Nicotinic acid also regulates metabolic processes. The drug is prescribed in the form of tablets or injections. Orally – 0.025–0.05 grams 2–3 times a day after meals for a month. Intramuscularly administer 0.002–0.003 g per 1 kg of body weight once a day.

Antibiotics for neuritis

Antibiotics for the treatment of facial neuritis are prescribed in case of bacterial infection. The best effect will be with intramuscular administration of antibiotics, since oral administration reduces and slows down the effect of the drug. In such cases, Amoxiclav or Claforan are prescribed. The need to use antibiotics in each individual case is determined by the attending physician after identifying the cause of neuritis.