Facial nerve palsy

Facial nerve palsy is weakness or paralysis of the facial muscles on one side of the face due to damage to the facial nerve (cranial nerve VII). The picture includes facial asymmetry, drooping of the corner of the mouth, incomplete closure of the eyelid on the affected side, smoothing of the nasolabial fold, and difficulty smiling and frowning. In some children - taste disturbances, heightened sensitivity to sounds on one side, drooling, and articulation difficulties. In children, facial nerve palsy can develop after neuroinfections, after cold exposure, against the background of otitis, after trauma, or as a birth injury; in some children - the idiopathic form (Bell's palsy).

At H&B Neurolife International Rehabilitation Center (Shangrao), the program for facial nerve palsy is built on a combination of TCM methods and instrumental physiotherapy. The leading method is pediatric acupuncture: facial nerve palsy is one of the key indications for acupuncture reflexotherapy at the center. Special ultra-thin pediatric needles are used; the method is non-invasive, painless or minimally painful, safe, and gentle. Individual point selection follows the principle of "one person - one prescription," with TCM differential diagnosis. Neuromuscular electrical stimulation activates the affected facial muscles, builds strength, and regulates tone. Pediatric Tui Na massage complements the program - it restores channel patency and harmonizes qi and blood. In case of oral-motor manifestations (drooling, articulation problems), oral-motor therapy is added. When indicated - neuroregulation.

What parents should know

The principle of early intervention in neurology is especially important: the younger the child, the better the recovery of nerve function. After the diagnosis is established, systematic work should begin as soon as possible - this significantly affects the prognosis. Parents perform some of the exercises and massage techniques at home every day - specialists teach the specific techniques.