Be Cautious of Facial Paralysis When Using Air Conditioning

Facial paralysis, also known as facial neuritis or idiopathic facial nerve palsy, is often caused by non-specific inflammation of one side of the facial nerve, leading to complete paralysis of facial muscles. Although facial paralysis is more common in winter and spring, there has been an increase in cases during summer, particularly among young people, primarily due to excessive cooling. In summer, the hot weather and increased sweating cause the body's pores to remain open. When facial nerves and surrounding blood vessels are exposed to cold stimuli, they may spasm, causing circulatory disturbances that lead to facial paralysis. Common causes of acute facial paralysis include prolonged use of air conditioning with low temperature settings, exposure to environments with large temperature differences, and direct exposure to air conditioning or fans after sweating heavily from exercise.

Facial paralysis occurs suddenly, often without precursor symptoms. Typical symptoms include inability to wrinkle the forehead on the affected side, disappearance of forehead wrinkles, drooping of the eyebrow, inability to close the eye, enlargement of the palpebral fissure, disappearance of the nasolabial fold, deviation of the philtrum to the opposite side, food accumulation in the gingival sulcus, involuntary biting of the buccal mucosa, drooping of the mouth corner, deviation of the lower lip to the opposite side when opening the mouth, water leaking from the mouth corner when drinking or rinsing, inability to blow air or puff the cheeks, unclear pronunciation of labiodental sounds, and varying degrees of pain and tenderness behind the earlobe on the paralyzed side.

Upon developing facial paralysis, it is crucial to seek medical attention promptly to rule out paralysis caused by other illnesses. Anxiety and tension can exacerbate facial nerve vasospasm and ischemic damage, so it is important to keep the affected side warm, especially avoiding exposure to cold wind on the head and face. Moderate intake of B vitamins, Compound Danshen Tablets, Dibazol, and cytidine diphosphate choline, which promote blood circulation and nerve activity, is advised. Physical therapies such as acupuncture, infrared therapy, laser irradiation, ultra-short wave diathermy, heat compresses, and massages around the mastoid area can help reduce facial nerve edema and promote nerve function recovery, but acute-phase direct current stimulation should be avoided within the first two weeks to prevent further nerve degeneration and damage. Functional exercises should be initiated as soon as possible, including movements such as raising the eyebrows, lifting the forehead, closing the eyes, whistling, and puffing the cheeks in front of a mirror. With timely and appropriate treatment, most patients with cold-induced facial paralysis can fully recover within 3 to 6 months, given adequate rest.

To prevent facial paralysis, consider the following aspects:

• Avoid opening windows at high speeds while driving or in a bus. Motorcyclists and electric bike riders should protect their faces from cold in the early morning and evening.
• Avoid sleeping outdoors. Do not leave windows wide open at night to prevent wind from blowing directly onto the face. Ensure the bed head is more than one meter away from the window. The air conditioning in the bedroom should not directly face the bed head to avoid cold air blowing on the face at night.
• If you experience facial numbness or discomfort, or if you have high blood pressure or high cholesterol and experience transient numbness in the hands or feet, seek medical attention promptly.

(By Song Lihua)