How long does it take to recover from facial neuritis?

  How long it takes to recover from facial neuritis depends on the specific situation and cannot be generalized.  Most incomplete facial neuritis usually returns to normal after a few weeks to about 2 months. Complete recovery with pain at the beginning of the disease or complete facial nerve paralysis at the beginning of the disease is less likely and the prognosis is poor. However, even if complete recovery does not occur, permanent facial damage or other complications occur in only 10% of patients. The etiology of facial neuritis is unclear and may be related to facial nerve compression, infection, and exposure to cold. The main clinical manifestations of facial neuritis are distortion of the corners of the mouth on the injured side, weakness in closing the eyes, shallowing or disappearance of the frontal lines, and in severe cases, turning of the eyeballs outward and upward when closing the eyes with force, exposing the white sclera. Treatment of facial neuritis includes application of hormones to reduce facial nerve edema, nerve nutrition, rehabilitation physiotherapy, acupuncture, etc.  Patients with facial nerve should actively start treatment early, avoid getting cold, and rehabilitate appropriately. Most patients have a good prognosis, and a small percentage of patients are left with sequelae.