Is facial paralysis caused by cold wind?

Author: Zhao Jialing Sichuan Academy of Medical Sciences (Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital)

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

Many patients with facial paralysis seem to have experienced catching cold or being blown by cold wind, but is facial paralysis really caused by blowing cold wind?

1.What is 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.

Figure 1 Copyright image, no permission to reprint

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. However, the statement that "facial paralysis is caused by cold wind" is inaccurate.

2.What are the symptoms of facial paralysis?

Facial paralysis is a common and frequently occurring disease, which is not limited by age. Common clinical symptoms include: paralysis of facial expression muscles on the affected side; shallow or disappearance of forehead wrinkles, widening of palpebral fissures, shallow or disappearance of nasolabial grooves, and drooping of the corners of the mouth; when smiling or showing teeth, the drooping of the corners of the mouth and facial crookedness are more obvious; the affected side cannot frown, frown, close eyes, inflate, or purse the lips; when inflating cheeks and whistling, air leaks because the lips on the affected side cannot close; when eating, food residues are often retained in the tooth-cheek gap on the affected side, and saliva often flows out from that side; patients may also experience hearing changes, decreased taste in the front 2/3 of the tongue, and saliva and tear gland secretion disorders. These symptoms may exist alone or in combination.

Figure 2 Copyright image, no permission to reprint

3.How to treat facial paralysis?

Many people panic when they wake up to find that they have facial paralysis. In fact, more than 90% of facial paralysis can be cured, especially peripheral facial paralysis. The key is early detection and early treatment. The treatment principle of peripheral facial paralysis is mainly to promote the early disappearance of local inflammation and edema, and the early recovery of nerve function. Commonly used drugs include antiviral drugs, nerve nutrition drugs, glucocorticoids and B vitamins. Clinical experience has shown that the use of drug treatment as early as possible in the early stage of the disease and active acupuncture treatment at the same time will have better results. Acupuncture is also a good treatment for refractory facial paralysis.

Figure 3 Copyright image, no permission to reprint

4.How to care for facial paralysis?

Reducing psychological stress, ensuring adequate sleep, and avoiding various mental stimulations and excessive fatigue are conducive to recovery. If the eyelids are not fully closed, use an eye mask, eye drops, eye ointment, etc. to protect the exposed cornea and prevent conjunctivitis.

Figure 4 Copyright image, no permission to reprint

5.Are there any sequelae of facial paralysis?

Patients with severe symptoms, diabetes, and older age are more likely to suffer from sequelae. The main sequelae include: eyebrow lifting disorder, large or small eyes, facial stiffness, shallow nasolabial groove, involuntary twitching of facial muscles, and tearing. Therefore, timely and regular treatment is very important.