The facial expression of the human face, the expression of emotions, exists due to the movements of the muscles, which are controlled by the trigeminal nerve. It has two branches, which ensure the normal activity of the corresponding muscle groups. Inflammation of the facial nerve leads to the emergence of intense pain syndrome, impaired muscle function, paralysis and paresis.
Causes and symptoms of facial nerve inflammation
The main factor that contributes to the development of the inflammatory process in the trigeminal nerve is hypothermia. This can happen after a long stay in the draft, under the air conditioner. In such situations, primary neuritis of the facial nerve, also called Bell's paralysis, occurs.
The secondary form of the disease occurs against the background of other pathologies:
- viral infections (herpes, parotitis, measles);
- atherosclerosis of the vertebral arteries;
- brain tumors;
- craniocerebral mechanical damage;
- vascular disorders;
- inflammatory diseases of nasal sinuses, brain, ears;
- dental anesthesia of the lower alveolar nerve.
Signs of inflammation of the facial nerve often appear on one side of the face, bilateral neuritis occurs only in 2% of cases. Symptoms of the pathology are as follows:
- pain of a different nature, intensity in the ear region and mastoid process;
- deterioration of sensitivity;
- partial or complete violation of the motor functions of the face (paresis, paralysis);
- reduction in the size of one eye gap;
- asymmetry of the face, its skewing to a healthy side;
- crooked smile;
- impossibility to extend lips, show teeth;
- smoothed nasolabial fold on the affected side;
- violation of the functions of the movements of one eye;
- hearing impairment (deafness or hyperacusis);
- decreased or increased salivation;
- lacrimation or dry eyes;
- deterioration of taste sensitivity.
Traditional treatment of facial nerve inflammation
Before the preparation of the therapeutic plan, diagnostic measures are first carried out, which allow to establish the form of neuritis - primary or secondary. The latter type of disease requires a preliminary elimination of the underlying cause of inflammation. After this, a conservative treatment of inflammation of the facial nerve is carried out with the following preparations:
- Anti-inflammatory. Hormonal drugs (glucocorticosteroids), in particular Prednisolone , allow you to quickly and effectively stop the pathological process. Non-steroid drugs are also used - Meloxicam, Nimesulide, Piroxicam.
- Spasmolytics and analgesics. Medications provide relief of pain syndrome - Drotaverin, Analgin.
- Antiedematous. To remove excess fluid in soft tissues diuretics are prescribed, for example, Torasemide or Furosemide.
- Vasculature. These drugs improve blood circulation in damaged areas. As a rule, Euphyllinum is used.
- Anticholinesterase and metabolic agents. Drugs of these groups contribute to the recovery of motor functions of the facial muscles - Galantamine, Neroball, Proserin.
- Vitamins of group B. Improve metabolic processes in nerve tissues - Milgama, Neurovitan.
How to treat inflammation of the facial nerve with physiotherapy methods:
- Minin lamp ( blue lamp );
- The Soluxe;
- applications with ozocerite;
- ultrasound with Hydrocortisone;
- paraffin therapy;
- acupuncture;
- massage of facial muscles;
- Exercise therapy.
If the described scheme of treatment is not effective, and muscle functions are not restored more than 10 months, autotransplantation of the entire damaged nerve is prescribed. In the case of a unilateral violation, surgery is possible only on the affected branch.
Treatment of facial nerve inflammation in the home
Unconventional therapeutic methods are not a full-fledged treatment for the considered disease, they are recommended as additional, supporting procedures.
Neurologists advise using such tools:
- heating with salt, steamed flax seeds;
- compresses with strong chamomile broth;
- pink tea;
- grinding with a solution of natural mummies.