Facial nerve palsy, also commonly known as facial paralysis, is caused by irritation or damage to the facial nerve, resulting in decreased function. It is divided into peripheral facial paralysis and central facial paralysis.
Peripheral facial paralysis is a condition in which the facial nerve is irritated by a non-bacterial inflammation, causing symptoms such as a slanting of the mouth and eyes, loss of frontal lines, tearing, and salivation at the corners of the mouth on the affected side. There is an incubation period of about one week, with initial symptoms of pain behind the ears, followed by muscle dyskinesia, facial stiffness, and facial muscle dyskinesia.
Central facial palsy is caused by cerebrovascular disease such as stroke, or by space-occupying lesions in the brain such as tumors that compress the facial nerve roots. Patients may show paralysis of the expression muscles in the lower part of the face on the opposite side of the lesion, shallow nasolabial folds, and drooping of the corners of the mouth.
It is recommended that patients should go to the hospital in time when symptoms related to facial nerve palsy occur, and be treated under the guidance of professional physicians.