The German Society for Neurology said that peripheral facial paralysis occurs when the facial nerve is damaged, leading to facial paralysis, noting that the nerve damage does not occur in the brain (central), but rather along the path from the brainstem to the face (peripheral).
Reasons
The association explained that peripheral facial paralysis may be due to the following reasons:
- Facial nerve injuries such as a fracture of the petrous bone or as a result of surgery
- Benign or malignant tumors
- Herpes viruses
- Lyme disease
- Measles and German measles
- Mumps
- For diphtheria
- otitis media
Symptoms
Peripheral facial paralysis can be detected by the following symptoms:
- Inability to close the eyelid except partially or not at all
- drooping corners of mouth
- Decreased ability to taste
- decreased saliva production
- low tear fluid
- inability to frown
Treatment methods
The association stressed the need to consult a doctor immediately upon noticing these symptoms to undergo timely treatment, so that facial paralysis does not become permanent. Treatment is determined based on the cause that has been diagnosed. For example, treatment is done with antibiotics to combat the bacteria that cause Lyme disease, while treatment is done with antivirals to combat the viruses that cause herpes.
If the eye on the affected side cannot be completely closed, it can dry out quickly and lead to complications such as keratitis or corneal ulcers. For this reason, the surface of the eye should be kept moist, for example with artificial tears or eye ointment. At night, it may be necessary to cover the eye with a so-called “watchglass bandage”, which is a plastic cover with a self-adhesive frame.
Treatment also includes anti-inflammatory glucocorticoids. Physical therapy exercises and speech therapy help improve facial muscle function and speech.