[Medical Q&A] Is facial paralysis caused by cold wind?

Planner: Chinese Medical Association

Reviewer: Fan Dongsheng, Chief Physician, Peking University Third Hospital

The answer is no. The causes of facial paralysis are very complex and involve a variety of physiological and pathological factors. First, let us understand the definition and causes of facial paralysis.

Facial paralysis, also known as "facial neuritis" or "facial nerve paralysis", is a disease characterized by facial expression muscle movement disorders. The nerve responsible for the movement of facial expression muscles such as frowning and grinning is called the facial nerve. It is connected to the control center of the brain like an electric wire. No matter where the problem occurs, it may cause the facial muscles to lose control and then the symptoms of "facial paralysis" will appear. This line is divided into two sections - the central section and the peripheral section. Clinically, it can be divided into central facial paralysis and peripheral facial paralysis according to the location of the damage.

Central facial paralysis: The lesion is located in the central segment, which only causes mouth deviation but not eyelid closure disorder; it is usually caused by cerebrovascular disease, brain trauma, intracranial tumors and intracranial inflammation.

Peripheral facial paralysis: The lesions are located in the peripheral segments, causing mouth deviation and incomplete eyelid closure; it is usually caused by infectious diseases (viruses lurking in the sensory ganglia of the facial nerve are activated), and may also be caused by ear diseases, tumors, trauma, poisoning, diabetes and autoimmune abnormalities.

The most common facial paralysis in clinical practice is idiopathic facial nerve paralysis (no clear cause can be found). Low temperature and cold wind are related to facial paralysis. When the human body is cold, the body temperature drops and the immunity also decreases. At this time, facial paralysis is prone to occur, especially viral infection facial paralysis.