Inflammation can cause drooping corners of the mouth

Facial paralysis: Hanging mouth angle due to inflammation

08/24/2014

If the corner of the mouth hangs down on one side of the face and the eye does not close properly, many people immediately think of the typical signs of paralysis that can occur after a stroke. Sometimes, however, there is also a so-called facial paralysis, triggered for example by an inflammation.

Clarify half-sided facial paralysis by the doctor
Patients with hemipteral facial paralysis may be due, among other things, to an inflammation caused, for example, by a persistent cold breeze or an infection with viruses or bacteria. As Frank Bergmann of the Professional Association of German Nervous Physicians (BVDN) points out, according to a report from the dpa news agency. The expert advises to have the complaints cleared up by a doctor in any case, as it may also be a stroke or a tumor.

Cause often can not be determined
As a rule, such so-called facial paralysis is harmless and usually disappears on its own. According to experts, "autoimmune diseases, congenital malformations, viruses such as the causative agent of Pfeiffer's glandular fever (Epstein-Barr virus) as well as the HI virus or infections and inflammations in the ears, such as acute middle ear infection or labyrinthitis, are among the known causes ". The phenomenon is also favored by high blood pressure, diabetes and massive stress, as it says in the message. According to Bergmann, "for the most part, however, no cause can be determined".

Presumably, several factors play a role
It is believed that several factors play a role in causing inflammation and associated swelling, which then presses on the facial nerve (facial nerve). This sometimes also causes one eye to water heavily, altering hearing in one ear, or impairing the sense of taste. It can take a few hours or even up to two days to complete the paralysis of the face. It can be problematic if the patient can not close his eye. In this case, he should moisten it regularly and protect with an eye patch or glasses.

Various therapy options
If an infection is behind the paralysis, either antivirals or antibiotics can be prescribed. In addition, the use of cortisone or analgesics is possible to relieve the symptoms due to the impaired facial expressions. Sometimes the affected facial muscles are also trained with occupational therapy, physiotherapy or speech therapy. If it comes to a lasting complete or almost complete facial paralysis, there is the possibility of an operation. Affected by the disease are mainly middle-aged people. According to the BVDN, there are on average 20 to 25 diseases per year per 100,000 people. (Ad)