INFLAMMATION OF THE FACIAL NERVE: CLINICAL PRESENTATION, ETIOLOGY, TREATMENT METHODS

Abstract

Facial nerve palsy is a clinical syndrome that manifests itself as a disturbance of the movement of the facial muscles caused by peripheral or central damage to the VII cranial nerve. In cases of peripheral palsy, complete or partial immobility of the mimic muscles is observed on the affected side of the face, the eyelids do not close completely, the corner of the mouth droops and the wrinkles on the forehead disappear. In central palsy, motor disturbances occur only in the lower part, since the muscles of the forehead receive bilateral innervation. The causes of facial nerve palsy are varied, and among them are Bell's palsy (idiopathic), traumatic and viral cases (for example, Herpes simplex), cases connected with otitis and cases related to internal diseases of the brain. In diagnosing the disease, clinical examination, neurological tests, electromyography, MRI and CT are of great importance. Treatment differs according to the cause: in viral or inflammatory cases antiviral and anti-inflammatory preparations and corticosteroids are used; physiotherapy and exercises for the facial muscles play the main role in rehabilitation. Complete recovery is possible in most patients, but in some, permanent complications (for example, synkinesis) may remain.