Neuralgia or neuritis is diagnosed in the inflammatory process along the nerve. Often, doctors face such pathology as neuralgia of the facial nerve. Consider what symptoms accompany the disease, and how to treat it.
Symptoms of neuralgia of the facial nerve
A paired cranial nerve that passes through the ear canals is called the facial nerve. It is he who is responsible for facial expressions. With its inflammation, the functionality of muscles is disrupted. Therefore, the following features may be present:
- asymmetry of the face;
- the immobility of one side of the face, since the inflammation usually affects only one of the paired nerves;
- unlaturation of the eyelids;
- lacrimation or, conversely, dryness of the cornea;
- smoothing of the nasolabial triangle;
- omission of the corners of the mouth;
- decreased saliva;
- a taste disorder;
- strabismus;
- lack of coordination;
- intolerance to loud sounds;
- pain in the area of the ear canal, giving to the temple.
It is worth considering that the symptomatology differs depending on the localization of inflammation.
Treatment of neuralgia of the facial nerve
Preparations used to treat neuralgia of the facial nerve:
- When the first symptoms appear, countercurrent drugs and glucocorticoids, vasoconstrictors, and a course of B vitamins are prescribed.
- Analgesics help relieve pain.
If there is a relapse of pathology, it is necessary to find out the exact cause of the disease. Only its elimination will help to get rid of the inflammatory process. The patient should facilitate the task facing the doctors and try during the first week of treatment to maintain the immobility of the facial muscles.
It shows the use of physiotherapy procedures that provide non-contact heating of affected areas, for example, UHF. Usually appoint 8-10 procedures. Contact thermal effects can also be used to treat neuralgia of the facial nerve at home. In this case, the use of applications from ozocerite or paraffin is effective.
Since the second week of treatment with neuralgia of the facial nerve, massage is recommended. The load of the affected muscles should be carried out gradually. If the procedures are performed at home, do the exercise twice a day for about 15-20 minutes.
In some cases, a good effect is provided by acupuncture, stimulation by pharmacological drugs of metabolism.
With the congenital form of pathology, as well as in the case of neuralgia, triggered by trauma, surgical treatment is possible. The operation is resorted to if within 8-10 months the therapy has not given a positive effect and the risk of irreversible changes is great.
Local Therapy
In the treatment of neuralgia of the trigeminal nerve, ointments are widely used. Well proven:
- Viprosal . Provides rapid pain relief,
- Finalgon. In addition to anesthesia, it improves blood flow in the affected area.
- Apizartron. Increases the elasticity of muscle tissue, eliminates pain, expands capillaries, helps stimulate the endings of peripheral nerves.
- Myoton. It has a fast effect. The composition contains only herbal components, so it is recommended for patients with an increased risk of allergies.
Most ointments that help with neuralgia, you can freely buy at a pharmacy kiosk. However, knowledge, than to treat neuralgia of the trigeminal facial nerve, does not relieve from visiting a neurologist. The scheme of treatment is based on individual indications and the independent use of pharmacological drugs can significantly worsen the condition.