Patient's question:
In mid-August this year, I experienced facial nerve paralysis on the left side, with swelling and pain in the left eye and cheek. Test results: high blood lipid levels, otherwise everything else was normal.Past treatment and effectiveness: Hospitalized for one month, followed by acupuncture treatment for over a month after discharge. Currently, the mouth corner has improved compared to before, but the swelling in the eye and cheek has not completely subsided.
Desired help: I would like to ask what are some better treatment options.
Doctor's answer:
The treatment principle for Bell's palsy is to stabilize local blood circulation, reduce facial nerve edema, relieve nerve compression, and improve function, which yields better results. This includes:1. Advocating for the early use of a course of corticosteroid hormones in the acute phase. Dexamethasone can be administered intravenously, or prednisone can be taken orally, for 5-7 consecutive days, followed by a gradual increase in dosage over the next 7-10 days. If there is clear evidence of a viral infection, antiviral medication can be used concurrently;
2. B-complex vitamins, such as B1 and B12, can effectively improve the recovery of nerve myelin;
3. If available in your region, clonidine can be used. This medication stabilizes local blood circulation by increasing muscle tone.