7 Common Signs of Peripheral Facial Nerve Palsy That Many Often Overlook

Typically, patients can recognize this condition based on various functional or morphological changes in the facial muscles caused by peripheral facial nerve (cranial nerve VII) palsy. Read on for more details!

 

 

Peripheral facial nerve palsy (facial paralysis) is the weakness of the muscles on one side of the face resulting from damage to this cranial nerve. Early detection of the signs of peripheral facial nerve palsy is crucial for timely intervention and to minimize adverse functional and aesthetic consequences.

Signs of Peripheral Facial Nerve Palsy

Patients with peripheral facial nerve palsy may exhibit symptoms affecting one or both sides of the face, such as:

• Loss of control over facial muscles, leading to difficulties with eating, speaking, and facial expressions; an asymmetrical face, with one side of the mouth drooping, a shifted nasal tip, inability to wrinkle the forehead on the affected side, and incomplete closure of the eye on the paralyzed side.

• Inability to fully close the eye, leading to dryness due to insufficient tear production or uncontrolled tearing.

• Headaches, pain around the jaw, inside the ear, or behind one ear.

• A drooping facial appearance compared to the unaffected side.

• Loss of taste on half or two-thirds of the front of the tongue.

• Possible hearing loss, as the damage may extend to cranial nerve VIII, which runs close to cranial nerve VII.

Some Treatment Methods for Peripheral Facial Nerve Palsy

To treat peripheral facial nerve palsy, you should first consult a specialist to determine the severity of the facial paralysis, its cause, and appropriate treatment methods. Additionally, you may consider the following measures:

• Protect the eyes and face: Use sunglasses, artificial tears, or moisturizing creams to reduce the risk of dry eyes and corneal damage.

• Limit exposure to direct sunlight: Apply sunscreen to protect the skin from UV rays.

• Perform facial exercises: Engage in activities such as blinking, opening the mouth widely, smiling, and gentle massages to stimulate blood circulation, which may help alleviate and improve the condition.

• Reduce electronic device usage: Take breaks between prolonged periods of work to rest the eyes and face.

• Regular medical check-ups: Follow your doctor’s recommendations and instructions to effectively monitor and prevent complications.

• Cosmetic consultation: Consider seeking advice from a cosmetic specialist regarding interventions to correct complications (such as drooping, asymmetry, or sagging facial skin) caused by facial nerve palsy, in order to improve appearance and muscle flexibility.

Recognizing the signs of peripheral facial nerve palsy is essential for timely intervention and prevention of further complications. At the same time, patients can adopt appropriate care methods and lifestyle adjustments to support the effective treatment of facial nerve palsy.