Facial neuritis treatment and vitamins. Treatment time for facial neuritis. II. Multiple lesions of roots and nerves

One of the twelve paired cranial nerves is the facial nerve. It is mixed, as it consists of motor, sensory and parasympathetic nerve fibers. The motor part of the nerve begins in the rhomboid fossa of the fourth ventricle of the brain from the processes of nerve cells of the motor nucleus.

It includes the intermediate nerve. These are two different nerves, but their fibers are intertwined. They simultaneously emerge on the surface of the brain and move into the facial nerve canal. At the point where it bends there is the geniculate (taste) ganglion of the intermediate nerve. Sensitive nerve fibers originate from here, and secretory fibers originate from the cells of the superior pontine salivary nucleus in the medulla oblongata.

The peripheral fibers of the intermediate nerve are included in the structure of the branches of the facial - greater petrosal nerve and chorda tympani. These branches are formed in the facial canal.

Sensitive (taste) fibers in the petrosal nerve innervate the mucous membranes of the soft palate, connecting with the pterygopalatine ganglion.

The taste processes of the chorda tympani innervate 2/3 of the anterior part of the mucous membrane of the tongue, reaching the lingual nerve.

The first branch of the nerve departs from the geniculate ganglion and, moving along the pterygoid canal, enters the pterygopalatine ganglion. Its composition innervates the mucous membranes of the soft palate and nasal cavity. Next, some of the nerve fibers become part of the maxillary nerve and are directed to the lacrimal gland.

The second branch is separated from the facial nerve in the lower part of the canal and the fibers of the intermediate nerve in its composition move through the tympanic cavity to the lingual nerve and unite with it. Some of the fibers then continue to move into the hypoglossal nerve ganglion, and some into the submandibular ganglion.

In addition, in the cranium, branches to the auditory and vagus nerves and to the stapedius muscle are separated from the facial nerve.

Once out of the canal, the facial and intermediate nerves are separated. In this case, the motor fibers of the facial, moving through the stylomastoid foramen of the temporal bone, are embedded in the tissue of the parotid gland. Two branches of the facial nerve are formed here:

top;
lower

Small branches are branches of the second order. Connecting inside the gland, they form the parotid plexus. Coming out of the gland, they are sent radially to the maxillofacial muscles.

The anatomical and physiological structure of the facial nerve and the variety of functional connections determine a large number of different diseases.

How does the facial nerve work, its anatomy and functions:

Diseases of the facial nerve, their features

Pathologies of the facial nerve can affect several branches at once and involve other nerves in the process.

Main lesions of the facial nerve:

neuritis or (facial colds, inflammation);
neuralgia;
pinched nerve;
neuropathy;

If necessary, anticholinesterase drugs and activating metabolic processes and B vitamins are prescribed.

In case of contracture of facial muscles, corrective operations are performed. Surgically, they restore the functions of the nerve when it is damaged in the facial canal, “revitalize” the functions of the facial muscles, reinnervate the facial muscles - they stitch the nerve with healthy motor nerves.

Additional treatment is the same as for neuritis.

Neuralgia - pain piercing through and through

The main symptom of facial neuralgia is pain, greatest at the exit of the nerve from the skull. It occurs suddenly, of varying strength and localization.

Associated symptoms:
muscle weakness with the development of paresis;
increased or decreased muscle sensitivity;
development of facial asymmetry;
excessive salivation and lacrimation;
loss of taste to the point of complete absence.

Treatment of facial neuralgia is most often medicinal, the following drugs are prescribed:

Paresis lesion

The main sign of facial nerve paresis is facial asymmetry, but there are a number of other important symptoms:

motor function of facial muscles is lost;
speech and swallowing are impaired;
the eye is open and immobilized, dry or watery;
excessive salivation;
distorted perception of sounds;
change in taste;
pain in the ear area.

Treatment is complex, the main one is medication. Antispasmodic, decongestant, anti-inflammatory steroids, vasodilators, sedatives and drugs containing B vitamins are used. Medicines that improve metabolic processes in nerve tissues are recommended. Their list is similar to those prescribed for other nerve pathologies.

To restore the motor function of muscles and nerve fibers, additional treatment methods are used, the same as for neuralgia, but a number of methods are added. This is balneotherapy - treatment with mineral waters, electromassage, laser beam treatment, magnetic therapy, warming procedures.

Surgical intervention is performed in case of long-term ineffective treatment.

Facial nerve pinching

It occurs in acute and chronic forms. Severe course is manifested by paresis (paralysis), the disease has the following symptoms:

pain behind the ear of varying strength;
weakening of the facial muscles, facial distortion;
numbness of muscles and skin;
the eye is raised upward, watering;
salivation from the drooping corner of the mouth;
increased sensitivity to loud sound.

Lack of treatment for the lesion leads to contracture of the facial muscles.

Treatment is carried out according to the standard scheme.

Preventive measures

It is possible to prevent diseases of the facial nerve by following simple rules:

If you suspect nerve damage, you should immediately contact a specialist.

Facial neuritis (Bell's palsy) is an inflammatory process that involves one of the seven pairs of cranial nerves. In this case, clear visible manifestations are observed that distort and distort the patient’s face. Moreover, the affected side gets out of control, facial expressions suffer. Thus, a sick person cannot frown, move his eyebrow, or even smile normally. In addition, it is impossible to close the eye tightly, chew food normally, and even partially feel the taste.

The course of the disease manifests itself in a pronounced and visible form to others, which adds psychological suffering. In general, the reason for such a clinical picture during inflammation is associated with the passage of the nerve through the narrow canals of the facial bones. So that even minor inflammation leads to compression. As a rule, the inflammatory process affects one side, but in exceptional cases, which account for about 2.5%, bilateral damage occurs.

In general, neuritis of the facial nerve is a fairly common disease, which occurs with a frequency of one case per 4,000 people. The time of risk is the cold season. Very often, a surge in incidence is associated with temperature fluctuations in a given area and a general decrease in people’s immunity.

Neuritis is a disease that is protracted. You will have to stay in hospital for about a month, and for a complete recovery it may take a whole six months. But, unfortunately, such paralysis is prone to relapse in more than 10% of common cases. The general condition and prognosis depend on how deeply the nerve is damaged, whether single or bilateral damage is observed, as well as the fact how quickly and comprehensively the treatment was started.

The facial nerve itself undergoes a number of bends and overcomes a large number of small holes. Thus, it passes through the temporal bone, the internal auditory canal and the parotid gland.

When inflamed, the nerve swells and becomes pinched in these small passages, which entails all the obvious symptoms that characterize this disease.

Why does the facial nerve become inflamed?

The causes of the inflammatory process can be many factors. Let's look at the most common ones.

Specific viruses. Many viruses, when they enter the body, do not manifest themselves at first. But, under favorable conditions, their active reproduction occurs. The virus that is one of the main culprits of neuritis is, known to many, the herpes virus. In addition, it is believed that mumps viruses, polio, and some others can also be causative agents.
Unfavourable conditions. It has been observed that the highest number of cases is in the northern regions. Local and constant general hypothermia leads to decreased immunity, vascular spasms and changes in the nutrition of tissues and the nerves themselves, thus provoking clinical manifestations of neuritis.
Constant and large doses of alcohol. Alas, alcohol addiction and the intoxication caused by it have a detrimental effect on many systems and organs. Nerves are no exception. In this way, inflammation is provoked. Moreover, as a rule, such patients arrive with already advanced cases and are not inclined to painstaking therapy.
Hypertension. Changes in pressure, hemorrhages - all this affects the trophism, therefore, can lead to compression and neuritis.
Pregnancy. Hormonal changes have a strong impact on the entire body, and on the nervous system in particular. Therefore, disorders may occur that can cause an inflammatory process.
Some traumatic brain and ear injuries. When injured, rupture of nerve fibers and swelling can occur, and as a result, an inflammatory process that already covers most of the nerve.
Otitis, sinusitis, unsuccessful dental intervention. All this can contribute to the spread of inflammation to nearby tissues, which can cause compression of the nerve.
Stress, depression, long-term chronic diseases. All this can undermine the overall strength of the body.
Neoplasms. They are capable of both involving the nerve itself in the inflammatory process, and simply mechanically influencing it, causing compression and changes in nutrition.
Multiple sclerosis and atherosclerosis. They affect the condition and integrity of the nerve itself and can cause its changes and inflammation.
Diabetes. Affects the general condition of the body and contributes to the occurrence of inflammation.

Symptoms and diagnosis

Neuritis always begins acutely and is characterized by:

pain behind the ear, radiating to the back of the head or face, the sensation can also spread to the eye;
there is a distortion of the face, the muscles do not control the affected side;
the eye of the affected side does not close tightly, forming a gap through which the white is visible, which is called the “hare’s eye”;
the corner of the mouth on the affected side droops, liquid food partially spills out because of this;
the full ability to chew food is impaired, although the jaws are under control, food falls behind the cheek, and the patient constantly bites it;
signals entering the brain from the salivary gland are distorted, so a constant feeling of thirst, increased salivation, and flow of the resulting saliva from the uncontrolled side may occur;
uncontrollability of the cheek leads to unclear speech;
tear production changes: the eye may dry out or, conversely, too much tears are produced and they constantly flow from the uncontrolled side;
part of the tongue on the affected side ceases to sense taste;
There may be increased irritability to loud sounds and the perception of some everyday and previously familiar sounds as loud and annoying.

To suspect a disease, it is worth carrying out simple manipulations:

frown;
puff out your cheeks;
take water into your mouth;
smile symmetrically;
raise eyebrows in surprise;
wrinkle your forehead and nose;
blink alternately;
Close both eyes tightly (assessed by another person).

If, while performing these tasks, you notice that one side of your face falls out of the process and is not under your control, consult a doctor immediately.

If the clinical picture is less clear or for additional confirmation, various studies may be prescribed, for example, electroneurography and electromyography. The essence of the research is to detect distorted transmission of nerve impulses (its decrease or absence). In this way, the diagnosis is clarified, it is assumed which area is inflamed and how severe and extensive the inflammation is.

Treatment

Drug therapy

It is worth noting that treatment should be prescribed exclusively by the attending physician, taking into account the characteristics of your case. Self-medication can lead to disastrous and irreversible consequences. This is just a general diagram.

Diuretics remove excess fluid, relieving the nerve from severe pressure.
Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, as the name suggests, relieve inflammation and reduce pain.
Glucocorticoids relieve inflammation and pain, but most importantly, they prevent the formation of contracture (tightening of the facial muscles).
Antiviral drugs stop the virus from dividing.
Antispasmodics reduce spasms, improve nutrition and blood circulation, and reduce pain.
Neurotropic agents improve the functioning of nerve cells, reduce tics and contractions, and relieve pain.
B vitamins play a major role in the normal functioning of the nervous system, helping it cope with toxins and recover.
Anticholinesterase drugs normalize the function of the salivary and lacrimal glands and improve signal transmission.

Physiotherapy and massage

However, drug treatment must be combined with physiotherapy and massage. Massage should begin on days 5-7, and physiotherapy - no earlier than on the seventh day of the onset of the disease. Remember that with these types of therapy you should avoid hypothermia in general and especially in the first 20 minutes after using it. If the disease occurs in the autumn-winter period or early spring, be sure to wrap the affected side in a scarf or hood. It is advisable to avoid walking, and for the first fifteen minutes after the session you should not go outside at all.

Some of the most common physiotherapy procedures are:

- UHF, which helps improve tissue trophism and reduce inflammation by increasing the number of leukocytes;
- UV, which promotes the production of immunoglobulins, reducing pain and inflammation;
- UHF, which increases the temperature in the affected area, dilates blood vessels, restores blood circulation and restores impaired nerve function;
- electrophoresis, which has an anti-edematous and analgesic effect, and also helps to introduce medicinal substances into the lesion, achieving their high concentration exactly in the right place;
- diadynamic therapy, which promotes muscle contraction and a kind of “charging” for better recovery and to avoid complete paralysis or incomplete recovery;

Acupuncture is a separate item. When carried out correctly, this procedure can reduce swelling and improve the patient’s general condition, leading to a speedy recovery. However, it is worth recalling that this manipulation should be carried out exclusively in medical institutions. Beware of acupuncture performed privately without proper permits. In this case, you may encounter the opposite effect and, moreover, have all the consequences of using non-sterile material.

Massage for neuritis is of great importance, as it prevents the development of contracture and muscle atrophy in the affected area. It's better to have it done by a professional. At least for the first sessions until you understand its intricacies. In the future, massage can be done independently.

Begin the massage by warming up the neck muscles. If you carry out the procedure yourself, it is enough to simply tilt your head slowly in all directions. Then they begin to knead the back of the head. After all, the lymph nodes in this area will receive additional lymph that has accumulated in the face area, at the site of swelling. Massage is performed on both the affected and healthy areas. The procedure itself should be superficial to avoid pain from strong muscle contraction. You should not massage the location of the lymph nodes directly. This can provoke too much aggravation of the process. The massage should end in the same way as it began: the back of the head and neck area is massaged. On average, the procedure takes 15 minutes.

You can develop the cheek area yourself: pulling it back, grabbing it with your fingers from the inside. So her sensitivity gradually returns.

Folk remedies

Folk wisdom has accumulated extensive experience in the fight against this disease. But, taking into account the experience of your ancestors, be sure to consult with your doctor to determine how suitable the chosen method is for you. Do not forget that, as a rule, such therapy begins no earlier than a week from the onset of the disease.

The most common means are heating. One of these methods is dry heating using sea/table salt or sand. The idea is that a small amount of this material is heated to a pleasant (not hot, but warm) temperature, placed in a cotton bag and applied to the affected area to warm up. If you take pharmaceutical sea salt, saturated with minerals and natural additives (for example, chamomile or lavender oil), then an additional beneficial effect of the components on the regeneration of the damaged area is achieved.

Chamomile can also be used separately. The pharmaceutical collection (preferably packaged) is brewed in a cup according to the instructions. The broth is drunk, and warm bags are applied to the site of inflammation under the film and insulated on top with a scarf. Application time - 15 minutes. In addition to warming, chamomile has a powerful anti-inflammatory and immunity-boosting effect. In addition, this decoction at night has a slight calming effect. After all, a person often has a hard time experiencing his condition and may not sleep well. If the chamomile is not in a bag, but as a dry product, the contents should be placed in gauze for heating.

Complications due to improper therapy

If therapy is started at the wrong time or is not carried out rationally, the most severe consequences are possible. Such as:

- - muscle atrophy, which occurs approximately a year after the onset of the disease: the muscles seem to “shrink” from inactivity and, alas, an irreversible process of deformation results;
  - contracture of facial muscles, which can occur approximately one and a half months after the onset of the disease: the muscles “tighten”, shorten, painful pulsation and a peculiar distortion of the face are felt (squinted eye, nasolabial fold becomes clearly visible);
  - involuntary twitching of facial muscles can occur due to incorrect impulses;
  - synkinesia, which is characterized by incorrect transmission of nerve impulses, as a result of which the excitation of one zone can be incorrectly transmitted and spread to others, thus producing, for example, “crocodile tears”, when chewing irritates the lacrimal gland;
  - conjunctivitis or keratitis, which develops due to loose closure of the eye and corresponding drying out.

In exceptional cases, if therapy is unsuccessful in the first 8-10 months of the disease, surgical intervention is possible to prevent irreversible consequences caused by atrophy.
But, it is better to start treatment on time. Also, it is important not to give up. Many patients, seeing that the results do not come so quickly, despair and stop attending physical procedures and doing massages. This is what becomes the turning point, and therapy is delayed. Therefore, it is important to continue all appointments and motivate yourself to recover. And also make every effort to prevent hypothermia in the future and maintain your immunity.

For neuritis of the facial nerve, means of therapeutic physical culture - positioning treatment, massage, therapeutic exercises - can be used from the first days of the disease.

From the first days of the course of neuritis of the facial nerve, you can use means of therapeutic physical education (physical therapy) - positional treatment, massage, therapeutic exercises. They help improve blood circulation in the face, especially on the affected side; restore impaired function of facial muscles, prevent the development of contractures and conjugate movements (syncinesia); restore correct pronunciation. In case of severe nerve damage that is difficult to treat, the task of exercise therapy is to weaken facial expressions in order to hide facial defects. Exercise therapy is also successfully used for residual effects and complications (contractures, concomitant movements) of the disease.

Neuritis of the facial nerve is the most common among lesions of other cranial
nerves and ranks second among diseases of the peripheral nervous system,
second only to lumbosacral radiculitis.

Early period of rehabilitation treatment

In the early period of recovery treatment (days 1-10 of illness), positional treatment, massage and therapeutic exercises are used.

It is used to eliminate facial asymmetry and consists of adhesive plaster tension (taping) from the healthy side of the face to the affected one. It is directed against the pull of the muscles of the healthy side and is carried out by firmly fixing the other free end of the patch to a special helmet-mask, made individually for each patient from a bandage (see figure).

Taping rules:

Correction of the muscles of the healthy side should be carried out with such force that the antagonist muscles of the affected side are sufficiently free in their actions and do not experience the pull of the muscles of the healthy side.
The fixation of the free end of the patch to the helmet must be rigid (even double-folded) to keep healthy muscles in the correct position.
Taping to reduce the palpebral fissure is carried out with one or two narrow strips of adhesive tape, which is attached to the skin of the eyelid in the middle of the palpebral fissure and gently stretched outward and upward, with the free end also attached to a fixed helmet. The narrower the palpebral fissure is when stretched, the easier it closes during involuntary blinking. In this way, the eye is naturally moistened with tears, which protects the cornea from drying out and ulceration.
After the treatment session, you need to lubricate the skin areas to which the patch was attached with nourishing creams.

sleep on your side (affected side);
chew food on both the affected and healthy sides;
sit for 10-15 minutes 3-4 times a day with your head tilted towards the affected side, supporting it with the back of your hand (resting on your elbow);
tie a scarf, pulling the muscles from the unaffected side to the affected side (from bottom to top), while trying to restore the symmetry of the face.

Treatment by position should be carried out during the daytime, when motor functions are most necessary for the patient to perform household, work and therapeutic activities. Taping to reduce the palpebral fissure, aimed not only at eliminating the muscle defect, but also at preserving the cornea, is also used at night, when it is especially important that the eye is completely closed.
In the first days of the disease, adhesive plaster tension is carried out in fractions: 30-60 minutes 2-3 times a day (mainly during active facial actions: when eating, talking, communicating with relatives and doctors), then - 2-3 hours.

Physiotherapy
At this stage, it is carried out in small doses and is purely selective. The focus is on the muscles of the healthy side:

dosed tension and relaxation of individual muscles and entire muscle groups;
isolated tension (and relaxation) of those muscle groups that provide certain facial expressions (smile, laugh, etc.) or are actively involved in the articulation of certain labial sounds: [p], [b], [m], [v], [f] , [y], [o];
minimal muscle tension, especially in the muscles surrounding the mouth.

All these exercises for the muscles of the unaffected side are of a preliminary, training nature and are aimed at preparing for effective exercise in the main period. A gymnastics session lasts 10-12 minutes and is repeated 2 times during the day.

Main period of illness

During the main period of the disease (from the 10-12th day from the onset of the disease to 2-3 months), as a rule, restoration of the function of the affected muscles begins, but active treatment with exercise therapy must be continued.

Its duration increases to 4-6 hours a day, it alternates with exercise therapy and massage. The degree of tension of the adhesive plaster also increases, reaching hypercorrection - with a significant shift to the affected side, in order to achieve stretching and thereby weaken the strength of healthy muscles.

Physiotherapy
She plays a leading role during this period. It is performed by the patient in front of a mirror with the participation of a physical therapy instructor and must be repeated by the patient (according to a shortened program) independently (2-3 times during the day).
All exercises can be divided into several groups:

differentiated tensions of individual muscles and muscle groups;
dosed muscle tension, i.e. training them in a gradual contraction with increasing and decreasing strength;
conscious inclusion of muscles and muscle groups in various facial situations - smiling, laughter, grief, surprise, etc.;
dosed tension during the articulation of various sounds, syllables, especially labial ones, requiring the participation of various muscle groups.

Special exercises for facial muscles:

raise eyebrows;
wrinkle your eyebrows (“frown”);
close your eyes (the sequence of performing this exercise is: look down; close your eyes, holding the eyelid with your fingers on the affected side, and keep your eyes closed for a minute; open and close your eyes 3 times in a row);
smile with your mouth closed;
squint;
lower your head down, take a breath and at the moment of exhalation “snort” (“vibrate” your lips);
whistle;
widen the nostrils;
raise the upper lip, exposing the upper teeth;
lower the lower lip, exposing the lower teeth;
smile with your mouth open;
extinguish a lit match;
take water into your mouth, close your mouth and rinse it, trying not to throw out the water;
puff out one's cheeks;
move air from one half of the mouth to the other alternately;
lower the corners of the mouth down with the mouth closed;
stick out your tongue and make it narrow;
open your mouth and move your tongue back and forth;
opening your mouth, move your tongue left and right;
stick your lips out like a tube;
follow with your eyes the finger moving in a circle;
suck in your cheeks with your mouth closed;
lower the upper lip onto the lower one;
move the tip of the tongue along the gums alternately in both directions with the mouth closed, pressing the tongue with varying degrees of force.

Exercises to improve articulation:

pronounce sounds [o], [i], [u];
pronounce the sounds [p], [f], [v], bringing the lower lip under the upper teeth;
pronounce a combination of these sounds: [oh], [fu], [fi], etc.;
pronounce words containing these sounds syllable by syllable (o-kosh-ko, Fek-la, i-zyum, pu-fik, Var-fo-lo-mei, i-vol-ga, etc.).

Before each exercise, be sure to relax the muscles, especially on the unaffected side. You should ensure that the movements are performed symmetrically. To do this, the patient must actively limit the range of motion on the unaffected side, holding it with his hand. On the affected side, exercises are performed passively with the hand, and when minimal active movements occur, they are performed actively with the hand. As movements are restored, the same exercises are performed with resistance (the hand interferes with the movement, requiring more muscle tension).
Each exercise is repeated 4-5 times with pauses for rest, eye exercises - 2-3 times. Procedures are carried out 2-3 times a day. Therapeutic exercises are prescribed daily for 2-3 weeks.
If the function of the facial muscles is not completely restored, the technique should be aimed at limiting the facial expressions of the unaffected half of the face, which helps to mask and compensate for the defect.

Period of residual effects

During the period of residual effects (after 3 months from the onset of the disease), all types of exercise therapy used in the main period continue to be used, with an emphasis on therapeutic exercises, the task of which is to increase muscle activity to recreate maximum symmetry between the unaffected and affected sides of the face. During the same period, the training of muscle efforts in various facial situations increases.

According to consolidated world medical statistics, neuritis of the facial nerve
observed in residents of various countries in approximately 2-3% of all cases
diseases of the peripheral nervous system, comprising
from 16 to 25 cases per 100 thousand population.

Photos used in this material belong to shutterstock.com

Our expert is the head of the scientific and clinical department of physical therapy and medical rehabilitation of the Federal State Budgetary Institution NCCO FMBA of Russia, Honored Doctor of the Russian Federation, Doctor of Medical Sciences Vladislav Prikuls.

Be careful, draft!

Most often, inflammation, or neuritis, of the facial nerve occurs during hypothermia. It is especially dangerous to be in a draft. As a result of local tissue hypothermia, spasm of blood vessels occurs, which, in turn, can lead to malnutrition and, as a consequence, inflammation of the facial nerve.

However, there may be other causes of neuritis, for example, complications after dental treatment, consequences of diseases caused by the herpes virus, inflammatory diseases of the ENT organs, brain tumors, traumatic brain injuries, atherosclerosis, hypertension, neuroses, stress, multiple sclerosis.

Such a pain!

As a rule, the first symptom of inflammation of the facial nerve is acute pain in the behind-the-ear area, which radiates to the back of the head or eye.

A little later, facial expressions on the side of the affected nerve are disrupted - the eye is wide open, there is no opportunity to close the eyelids tightly, the number of blinks of the affected eye decreases, the corner of the mouth noticeably droops, and a smoothness of the nasolabial fold and folds in the forehead appears. Often these symptoms are accompanied by dry mouth and difficulty pronouncing consonants. This is caused by a disruption of nerve conduction in the cheek muscle and salivary gland area. Your sense of taste may also change and your sensitivity to loud noises may increase.

However, that's not all. A rather unpleasant companion to neuritis can be excessive lacrimation or, conversely, dry eye as a result of damage to the branch of the facial nerve responsible for the innervation of the lacrimal gland.

Making a diagnosis

Sometimes patients confuse inflammation of the facial nerve with toothache or migraine. However, there is a simple test. If it is not possible to wrinkle your forehead, frown your eyebrows, wrinkle your nose, alternately puff out your cheeks and fully close your eyes, then there is nothing to guess about. This is neuritis of the facial nerve.

Of course, without being a specialist, it is difficult to distinguish inflammation of the facial nerve from trigeminal neuralgia or the consequences of a stroke. However, you are not faced with the task of accurately diagnosing yourself. There are relevant specialists and research for this. The most important thing if you suspect inflammation of the facial nerve is not to delay going to the doctor. It is necessary to contact a neurologist or a dental neurologist, or, as a last resort, any specialist in the field of dentistry. For a high-quality diagnosis, it is advisable to undergo an MRI or CT scan of the brain to exclude inflammatory and other pathological processes in the brain.

Other important studies include electromyography and electroneurography. These methods will determine the presence of damage along the entire length of the facial nerve. During these examinations, the doctor attaches electrodes to the skin, which irritate the nerve with light shocks of electricity. Special sensors record nerve impulses and transmit them to a computer, with which the doctor interprets the study.

No complications

We often hear that nerves do not recover, so when faced with neuritis, many patients believe that their disease cannot be treated. Fortunately, this is not true. The functionality of the nerve after neuritis is restored, but this happens quite slowly. The recovery period can take about a year - and all this time it is important to strictly follow the doctor’s recommendations and not neglect the prescribed treatment. Otherwise, complications may occur.

The most common of these is contraction of the facial muscles, which can distort the face. Muscle atrophy on the side of inflammation may also occur. In this case, the muscles weaken and seem to sag, causing facial paralysis. In addition, the result of untreated neuritis can be twitching of the facial muscles, excessive lacrimation, inability to close the eye, prolonged conjunctivitis or keratitis (inflammation of the cornea of the eye).

To avoid complications, it is necessary to undergo medication and physical therapy. Depending on the causes of inflammation and symptoms, the complex of medications will include anti-inflammatory drugs, antiviral, neurotropic and anticholinesterase agents, B vitamins, diuretics and antispasmodics.

After 7-10 days from the onset of inflammation, physiotherapy is prescribed, which is also selected individually. Phototherapy and laser therapy, electrophoresis, ultraphonophoresis, pulse and decimeter therapy, paraffin and ozokerite applications are successfully used.

An average course of physiotherapy consists of 20 procedures. Sometimes several courses are needed.

Often, for neuritis of the facial nerve, massage is prescribed, but such treatment can be started no earlier than 7 days after the onset of inflammation. It is advisable to massage not only the affected part of the face, but also the neck-collar area. Usually 10-20 massage sessions are needed.

If conservative treatment is ineffective within 8-10 months, you may have to resort to surgery. At the same time, it is impossible to delay surgical intervention - the operation is effective only in the first year of treatment, since later irreversible changes in the muscle tissue on the side of the affected nerve may occur.

How to speed up recovery

In order for the restoration of damaged nerves to occur faster, it is advisable to supplement the treatment prescribed by the doctor with gymnastics. It allows you to use the areas of the face affected by the affected nerve. The set of exercises consists of puffing out the cheeks, moving the tongue to the sides, frowning the eyebrows and forehead, circular movements of the eyes, pulling in and out the lips, cheeks and many other movements.

At home, you can warm up by applying a thick fabric bag to the sore spot on the face, into which salt or sand heated in the microwave is poured. The duration of warming up should be no more than 30 minutes, the procedure is carried out before bedtime for a month. However, such procedures, like physical therapy, can be started no earlier than a week after the onset of inflammation.

It is advisable for patients with neuritis to avoid hypothermia and exposure to drafts, to protect themselves from viral diseases and stress, and also to ensure that their diet contains enough protein foods, vegetables and fruits.