Facial Paralysis (चेहरे की लकवा) एक neurological condition है जिसमें चेहरे की मांसपेशियों की गतिविधि प्रभावित होती है।
- यह स्थिति एक तरफा या दोनों तरफा हो सकती है।
- Most common type है Bell’s Palsy, जो अक्सर temporary होता है।
- Severe cases में permanent weakness या disfigurement भी हो सकता है।
- Early treatment और physiotherapy से recovery बेहतर होती है।
Facial Paralysis क्या है (What is Facial Paralysis)
- Loss of voluntary muscle movement in the face
- Usually affects cranial nerve VII (facial nerve)
- Can be sudden onset (acute) or gradual
- Symptoms include drooping mouth, inability to close eye, drooling, altered taste, hyperacusis
Facial Paralysis कारण (Causes of Facial Paralysis)
1. Idiopathic / Bell’s Palsy
- Most common cause
- Likely viral (Herpes simplex virus) inflammation of facial nerve
2. Trauma / Injury
- Skull fracture, facial surgery, or injury to facial nerve
3. Infection
- Otitis media (middle ear infection)
- Lyme disease
- Herpes zoster (Ramsay Hunt Syndrome)
4. Neurological Disorders
- Stroke (cerebrovascular accident) – often upper motor neuron lesion
- Tumors compressing facial nerve
5. Systemic Conditions
- Diabetes mellitus
- Hypertension
- Multiple sclerosis (rare)
Facial Paralysis लक्षण (Symptoms of Facial Paralysis)
- Sudden drooping of one side of face
- Inability to close eye or blink
- Loss of facial expression
- Drooling from affected side
- Altered taste sensation
- Sensitivity to sound (hyperacusis)
- Pain or discomfort around jaw or ear
- In severe cases, difficulty speaking, eating, or drinking
Symptoms depend on location and severity of nerve involvement।
Facial Paralysis कैसे पहचाने (Diagnosis of Facial Paralysis)
- Physical Examination – facial asymmetry, inability to move affected muscles
- Neurological Examination – differentiate upper vs lower motor neuron lesions
- Imaging (MRI / CT) – if tumor, stroke, or trauma suspected
- Blood Tests – infection markers, diabetes
- Electromyography (EMG) – assesses nerve damage and prognosis
Accurate diagnosis essential for effective treatment।
Facial Paralysis इलाज (Treatment of Facial Paralysis)
1. Medications
- Corticosteroids (Prednisolone) – reduce inflammation
- Antivirals – if viral infection suspected (HSV, VZV)
- Pain management – NSAIDs
2. Eye Care
- Artificial tears or lubricating ointment for inability to close eye
- Eye patch at night to prevent corneal injury
3. Physiotherapy / Facial Exercises
- Gentle exercises to maintain muscle tone and prevent stiffness
- Massage and electrical stimulation in selected cases
4. Surgical / Interventional Options
- Rarely: nerve decompression, facial nerve graft, or static procedures
- Severe or long-term cases with permanent weakness
5. Supportive Care
- Good nutrition and hydration
- Avoid stress that may worsen symptoms
Early intervention improves recovery and reduces complications।
रोकथाम (Prevention)
- Prompt treatment of ear infections and systemic diseases
- Avoid facial trauma
- Maintain healthy immune system to reduce viral reactivation
- Early medical consultation at first sign of facial weakness
सावधानियाँ (Precautions)
- Eye protection to prevent corneal ulceration
- Avoid sleeping on affected side in acute phase
- Monitor for progressive weakness or pain, may indicate serious cause
- Follow physiotherapy regimen diligently
FAQs (अक्सर पूछे जाने वाले प्रश्न)
Q1. Facial paralysis permanent हो सकता है?
Most cases (especially Bell’s palsy) temporary होते हैं, 3–6 महीने में recovery होती है। Severe cases में partial or permanent weakness हो सकती है।
Q2. क्या यह दोनों आँखों और चेहरे को affect कर सकता है?
Rarely, but usually unilateral होता है। Bilateral involvement suggests serious systemic cause।
Q3. Facial paralysis में कब डॉक्टर के पास जाना चाहिए?
Sudden onset, severe pain, eye involvement, or suspected stroke में तुरंत neurologist या ENT specialist से consult करें।
Q4. Physiotherapy वास्तव में मदद करती है?
हाँ, facial exercises और massage muscle tone और nerve recovery में मदद करते हैं।
निष्कर्ष (Conclusion)
Facial Paralysis (चेहरे की लकवा) एक neurological disorder है, जो facial nerve dysfunction के कारण होता है।
Early diagnosis, medications (steroids/antivirals), eye care और physiotherapy से recovery बेहतर होती है।
अगर किसी को sudden facial drooping, inability to close eye, या drooling दिखाई दे, तो तुरंत specialist consultation जरूरी है।