Elements of physical factor therapy for facial neuritis

Facial neuritis is what we often call “facial paralysis”, “crooked mouth”, characterized by motor dysfunction of the facial expression muscles, generally manifested as a crooked mouth and eyes, and the affected side is often unable to complete even the most basic smile, raise the eyebrows, close the eyes, and other actions. There are various causes of facial nerve palsy, which are clinically divided into central facial nerve palsy and peripheral facial nerve palsy. The central type is caused by damage to supranuclear tissues and paralysis of the lower facial muscles on the opposite side of the lesion. It is characterized by shallow nasolabial folds, drooping of the corners of the mouth when the teeth are exposed, and inability to puff out the cheeks, etc. It is mostly seen in cerebrovascular lesions and encephalitis. Peripheral type is caused by the damage of facial nerve nucleus or facial nerve, and all facial muscles on the same side of the lesion are paralyzed, manifesting as inability to wrinkle forehead, frown, close eyes, disappearance of corneal reflex, shallow nasolabial sulcus, inability to show teeth, etc., which is mostly seen in the case of cold and wind, infection of the ear or meninges. Adopting the thermal and non-thermal effects of five senses ultrashort wave, it can improve facial blood circulation, enhance the body’s metabolism and immune function, and has the role of anti-inflammatory to promote cell regeneration. Ultrasonic electrotherapy can change the cell permeability, improve local blood circulation, which is conducive to the absorption and dissipation of edema; at the same time, it can accelerate the endogenous thermal process of the tissue, expand the tissue vascularity, accelerate blood flow, enhance metabolism, and promote the establishment of collateral circulation to enhance the repair and regeneration of cells. Ultrasound on muscle cells can also produce rapid massage effect, relieve muscle stiffness and spasm, improve local symptoms. At the same time, the use of mid-frequency electrotherapy can promote systemic blood and lymphatic circulation, accelerate the absorption of inflammation and edema; at the same time, it can cause muscle contraction, increase the strength of muscle exercise, but also by improving the facial nerve nutrition, improve the excitability of the nerves, and promote the recovery of neuromuscular function. The acute stage is the best treatment period for facial neuritis, and early and active treatment is crucial for the recovery of symptoms.