When half of the face stops responding and the seventh nerve plays its role in freezing your facial expressions, you become extremely anxious about the puzzle that befell you, but here at Al Mousa Health Group we assure you that this challenge is not the end of the road. Rather, we help you by providing a comprehensive guide that includes knowledge, hope, and clear steps to recover and regain the ability to express with confidence.

Definition of the seventh facial nerve (Bell's palsy)

Also known as the facial nerve; This allows vital facial functions to be performed, such as:

• Smiling.
• العبوس.
• Close eyes.
• Moving lips to speak and speak.

But the mystery begins when an infection occurs that causes it to suddenly swell without knowing the cause, and then the patient suffers from it or what is called Bell’s Palsy, which is a temporary paralysis that prevents control of these vital functions in your face.

Functions of the seventh nerve affected by inflammation

Its functions are not limited to movement only, but extend to include delicate sensory and secretory functions. Therefore, if it becomes inflamed, The following tasks may be affected:

• The sense of taste in which the patient loses taste in the front two-thirds of the tongue.
• Disturbances in the secretion of tears and saliva.
• The ear becomes more sensitive to loud sounds.

Read also: Symptoms of seventh nerve infection: causes, treatment, and how to diagnose

What is the cause of seventh nerve paralysis?

Although Bell's palsy is classified as a condition of unknown cause in most cases, recent studies have indicated risk factors that make some people more susceptible than others to developing it.
The initial causes lie in a certain viral infection, where the nerve passes through a very narrow bony canal in the skull, Which makes it inflamed if it is infected, and the inflammation results in:

• Swelling and swelling.
• Severe compression due to the narrow tunnel through which it passes.
• Its function stops due to the compression preventing the nerve from performing its functions.
• Viruses that attack the nerve:
• Herpes virus.
• Shingles virus.
• Influenza viruses.
• German measles virus.
• Mumps virus.

Risk factors for those who are more susceptible to infection, There are people who have a greater risk of infection than others, and they are:

• Diabetes patients.
• Pregnant women, especially in the last trimester.
• Who has an upper respiratory infection.
• Severe colds.

Read also: What is the difference between the fifth and seventh nerves and the functions of each?

Is the seventh nerve dangerous?

No, it does not threaten life in any way, but it has a psychological and social risk factor that causes the patient to suffer from embarrassment in front of people with this appearance. There is a secondary risk that the eye may become dry and inflamed due to the inability to close the eyelid tightly.

What is the treatment for seventh nerve?

When it comes to nerves, the slogan “time means nerve” is very important. The sooner you seek medical intervention, the greater the chance of a full recovery. However, treatment is not limited to medication only, but rather extends to include an integrated treatment plan based on 3 axes provided to you by Al Mousa Health Group: Explained as follows:

• Rapid drug intervention with medications containing cortisone within the first 72 hours, and intervention with antivirals can be done in some cases according to the specialist doctor’s report.
• Protecting the eyes and providing supportive care for them, by providing continuous hydration and using moisturizing ointments during sleep.
• Physiotherapy and specialized rehabilitation to restore muscle strength by the group's physiotherapists who offer you: training exercises, use of electrical stimulation, treatment with nerve stimulators.

Safe seventh nerve exercises

Gentle facial exercises are the essence of treatment andQualification processHowever, it must be confirmed and known by a physical therapist, to avoid muscle fatigue and the occurrence of unwanted movements, which are called motor contractures, such as closing the eyes when smiling.

Here is a simplified guide to the most important exercises that you should practice 5 to 10 times:

• Exercises for the forehead and eyebrows by raising the eyebrows slowly and gently without straining, then trying to bring the eyebrows closer together in the form of a frown, but lightly so that the muscles are not damaged.
• Eye and eyelid exercises: Close the eyelid gently and lightly with the help of your finger so as not to become dehydrated, then wink lightly, which moves the eyelid without any other muscle in the face.
• Mouth and cheek exercises with a closed smile lightly and simply in the direction of the affected side without showing the teeth. Then collect the air inside the cheek and blow it out, then exhale the air slowly, and try to press the lips forward as if you are pronouncing the letter (waw).

Warning signs: 10 you should not ignore

We present to you signs that if you recognize them during the golden period, which is the first 72 hours of the disease, you will succeed in treatment, medical intervention will succeed, and you will recover completely. Otherwise, the condition will get worse if you do not recognize them. Which are:

• Sudden paralysis in half the face.
• The corner of the mouth and eyebrow on the affected side falls and becomes clearly drooping.
• Difficulty closing the eye on the affected side.
• If you find it very difficult to smile.
• Drooling of saliva comes out of your mouth without your will or control.
• Loss of most or all of taste.
• Feeling pain behind the ear, the area where the paralysis occurs.
• Increased sensitivity to sound in the same ear and sensitivity to any loud sounds.
• Difficulty chewing and eating between the tongue and gums.
• Excessive dryness of the eyes due to their constant opening and inability to close.

Frequently asked questions about the seventh nerve

Can seventh nerve injury occur again?

Yes, in some cases that do not exceed 15% of the number of infected people who have recovered.

How long is the expected recovery from Bell's palsy?

It begins within 2 weeks, but complete recovery will most likely take 3 to 6 months.

Can it hit both sides together?

It rarely occurs, and if it does occur, it will be another systemic disease of the face.

When can you start facial exercises after diagnosis?

After the end of the acute phase of the disease and under medical supervision.

خاتمة

We know that the experience of having seventh nerve palsy is confusing and frustrating, as it makes you lose an important part of your facial expressions, but we stand by your side and offer you a message of reassurance; Al Mousa Health Group Which will not hesitate to provide you with complete assistance and comprehensive care until you reach full recovery.