Patient's question:
I am more than thirty-six weeks pregnant and suddenly developed facial paralysis! Now I am getting B12 shots daily, taking B1 pills, and using Shuanghuanglian. Additionally, I have applied traditional Chinese medicine patches for a week, but there has been no significant improvement. I don’t know what to do! Originally, I planned to get acupuncture after giving birth, fearing that the facial paralysis would become permanent if it persisted. Moreover, I am worried about treating it during postpartum recovery, as I’m afraid of developing other illnesses. However, not giving birth also concerns me about the potential impact of continuous medication and acupuncture on the baby.Doctor's answer:
Facial paralysis is generally caused by facial nerve inflammation, primarily due to inflammatory edema of the facial nerve resulting from colds or exposure to cold. This leads to dysfunction of facial muscle function. Treatment primarily focuses on promoting the early resolution of local inflammation and edema, as well as ensuring the complete recovery of nerve function. During pregnancy, nutrients that support nerve health and B vitamins can be used as medication. Acupressure, which involves massaging the facial muscles affected by facial paralysis with the hands, is also an effective treatment. Acupuncture is another excellent method for treating facial paralysis.