How to prevent facial paralysis and crooked mouth during cold weather?

Early signs of facial paralysis include a crooked mouth.

According to the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, cold is the most common cause of facial paralysis. Each year, approximately 40,000 Americans experience sudden facial paralysis due to cold-induced facial paralysis. The exact cause of cold-induced facial paralysis is not fully understood, although many doctors believe it may be related to a viral infection of the facial nerve. Most people with cold-induced facial paralysis recover completely within one week to six months.

Common symptoms in patients with peripheral facial nerve paralysis include the sudden appearance of symptoms on one side of the face: numbness on one side of the face, inability to close the eye completely, difficulty speaking, and difficulty eating and drinking without spilling food.

Most cases of facial nerve paralysis (cranial nerve VII) will present with the following symptoms: Poor tear gland function, drooping eyelid, dry eyes, inability to blink or close the eye; difficulty smiling, difficulty or inability to close the mouth on the affected side, and drooling.

Illustrative image. (Image source: Internet)

Some people experience facial drooping or unusual stiffness, a crooked mouth that leans to one side; paresthesia in the corners of the mouth and forehead; pain around the jaw, mastoid bone, temples, and ears; altered sense of taste; increased sensitivity to sound.

There may be speech disorders or difficulty chewing and swallowing. Food and drinks tend to get stuck or spill out on the paralyzed side of the face. One side of the face may feel numb and have muscle weakness.

If the 7th cranial nerve is paralyzed after a zoster or herpes simplex infection, it can cause severe pain and blisters on the tongue or roof of the mouth.

Who is at risk of facial paralysis or crooked mouth?

Those at high risk of developing facial nerve paralysis (cranial nerve VII) include: people with weakened immune systems and poor health, pregnant women, people who frequently experience stress, stay up late, drink alcohol regularly, have a history of atherosclerosis or high blood pressure, and those who often work long hours.

Preventing facial paralysis and crooked mouth during cold weather.

To prevent facial nerve paralysis (cranial nerve VII), people should take note of the following:

Keep your head, face, and neck warm, avoid cold winds or sudden changes in body temperature, and don't bathe too late at night. Young children should dress warmly, wrap themselves in scarves, wear hats, and play outdoors for short periods.

Adults should take care to avoid letting children sit in drafty areas, cover their chins to keep them warm on long journeys, wear masks, and not let children sit in the front of the vehicle.

In addition, the following needs to be done:

Holistic health care: protecting your health through regular exercise, a nutritious diet, and maintaining a healthy lifestyle.

Treating related conditions: facial nerve paralysis (cranial nerve VII) can occur due to several conditions such as otitis media, nasopharyngitis, chickenpox, and shingles, so timely treatment of these conditions is also the best way to prevent it.

Avoid triggers: avoid contact with allergens, tobacco, alcohol, and other stimulants.

Perform facial muscle exercises: doing simple facial muscle exercises can help strengthen muscles, improve facial control, and prevent facial nerve paralysis (cranial nerve VII).

Wear protective eyewear: Wear protective eyewear when exposed to irritants or during tasks requiring high concentration.

These measures not only help prevent facial nerve paralysis (cranial nerve VII) but also help protect overall health. If you experience symptoms of facial paralysis or a crooked mouth, you should seek medical attention promptly for proper diagnosis and treatment.

Source: https://kinhtedothi.vn/lam-the-nao-de-phong-liet-mat-meo-mieng-mua-lanh.html