As winter approaches, cold weather conditions increase the risk of facial paralysis. Experts warn about facial paralysis, which occurs due to weakness in the facial expression muscles as a result of the nerve fibers coming to the facial muscles being affected.
Specialist Dr. from the Department of Neurology. Makbule Deniz Borucu, in her statement on the subject, said, “Bell’s palsy is the most common cause of facial paralysis and usually develops suddenly. It causes swelling and inflammation in the facial nerve. Especially the herpes virus called Herpes Simplex causes paralysis. The virus can affect nerve cells and cause inflammation in the facial nerve. This causes the nerve to swell and its function to deteriorate. When the nerve becomes unable to send signals to the facial muscles, paralysis occurs.
Disorders such as blows to the head or surgical interventions, shingles, Lyme disease transmitted by ticks, and middle ear infections can also damage the nerves that control the facial muscles and cause paralysis. Due to this weakness, which usually develops suddenly and in some cases within a day or two, the mouth moves to the healthy side when smiling, and the person cannot close the eyelid on the affected side, raise his eyebrow or wrinkle his forehead. “Loss of taste and sensitivity to sound may also develop on the affected side, and may be accompanied by pain in the jaw and behind the ear,” he said.
‘IT CAN BE VISIBLE ON THE ENTIRE FACE’
Stating that the symptoms of facial paralysis vary depending on the extent to which the nerve is damaged and which part of the face it affects, Borucu noted that the symptoms usually start suddenly and can be seen on both sides of the face. Dr. Borucu listed the symptoms of facial paralysis as follows:
“The most obvious symptom of facial paralysis is sudden weakness or loss of movement in the muscles on one side of the face. This weakness can range from a slight muscle twitch to complete immobility. It is usually unilateral and there is noticeable asymmetry in half of the face. This loss of movement in the face becomes especially evident when making facial expressions such as laughing, speaking, or raising an eyebrow. Some people may also experience a decrease in the sense of taste, sensitivity to sounds, loss of tear or saliva control, and loss of speech along with the stroke. In such cases, you should consult a doctor without wasting any time. In such cases, time is the most important factor. Treatment of facial paralysis varies depending on its cause. “While surgical intervention may be required for trauma, head, brain and neck tumors, special treatments are applied for neurological diseases such as stroke, Multiple Sclerosis and Guillian Barre Syndrome.”
‘WEARING A BEANIE SAVES’
Expert Dr. emphasized that there is an increase in the risk of facial paralysis in cold weather. Makbule Deniz Borucu stated that the first thing to do is to protect the face from the cold with a beret and scarf and said, “In cold weather, you should definitely wear a scarf and beret, and you can also use alternative masks that will protect your face. Wind and cold air coming with it can easily damage your facial nerves. You should not go out when your hair is wet or damp. You should stay away from sudden temperature changes. Of course, the basis of everything is keeping the immune system strong. “Especially in these seasons, it is beneficial to consume foods that will strengthen your immunity,” he said.
DHA