Facial nerve palsy, called guanwasa, is a condition in which the facial nerve that controls the facial muscles is damaged due to inflammation. In Korean medicine, it is also called “wasapung (喎斜風),” meaning a disease caused by exposure to cold wind. The exact reason why the nerve becomes paralyzed has not yet been clearly identified, but viral and vascular ischemic theories exist. In other words, a state of Reduced Immunity may come first, such as exposure to cold wind, overwork, lack of sleep, frequent Common Cold, or extreme stress. Then a virus or wind-cold pathogen (風寒邪) may invade the facial nerve, or the peripheral blood vessels of the face may constrict, causing impaired blood supply and resulting in Facial Palsy.
In the past, Facial Palsy was most likely to develop in older adults, but it is increasingly seen not only in middle-aged and older adults but also in pregnant women, infants and young children with weak immunity, and patients with diabetes.
Facial Palsy begins with pain behind the ear, followed by worsening paralysis of movement on one side of the face for about 1 week. As time passes, the degree of nerve damage gradually increases and nerve recovery also becomes slower, so prompt early treatment is very important. When Facial Palsy occurs, combined early treatment with Western medication may be necessary in some cases. In particular, if facial nerve damage is severe, the prognosis may be better with combined treatment.
The most concerning issue: Sequelae of Facial Palsy The complete recovery rate for Facial Palsy generally reaches 60-70% within 1 year. However, it is reported that about 20~30% of severe patients develop aftereffects from 3-6 months onward. Many people suffer from Sequelae of Facial Palsy but leave it untreated because they do not know what treatment to receive. In some unfortunate cases, the golden time is missed due to the misconception that Korean medicine treatment should not be received. Facial Palsy can improve, although it may take time, if careful examination and treatment are provided. Therefore, it is important to stay committed and continue treatment diligently. The key is to shorten the recovery time and ease aftereffects. The following are representative Sequelae of Facial Palsy; other symptoms may include dry eyes, excessive tearing, taste disturbance, hearing disturbance, tinnitus, and leakage of water from the mouth.
– Crocodile Tears Syndrome (Crocodile Tears Syndrome)
This is a symptom in which tears occur while eating. It is characterized by some nerves that go to the salivary glands becoming entangled with nerves that go to the tear glands, causing the salivary and tear glands to be stimulated at the same time.
– Synkinesis (Synkinesis)
Also called “simultaneous movement,” this can appear in various ways during recovery from guanwasa due to incorrect reinnervation of the nerve. Examples include the eye closing together when chewing food on the affected side (the paralyzed side), or the mouth moving together when blinking.
– Facial Contracture (Facial Contraction)
This is a state in which the facial muscles have become stiff, creating a stiff and uncomfortable feeling in the face. Actual left-right facial asymmetry and differences in the depth or degree of nasolabial folds can be observed.
– Facial Spasm/twitching (Facial Twitch/Spasm)
This is a phenomenon in which the facial muscles twitch because hyperexcitability occurs during the recovery process of the motor fibers of the facial nerve.
Ramsay Hunt Syndrome, which tends to have a poorer prognosis Ramsay Hunt Syndrome is caused by infection with the Herpes-Zoster Virus and accounts for about 3-12% of Facial Palsy cases. Ramsay Hunt Syndrome is accompanied by more severe Facial Palsy, blisters and rash around the ear, pain, tinnitus, dizziness, and nausea. The degree and speed of facial nerve damage are greater, and the prognosis is less favorable.
Facial Spasm that makes you worry others will notice This refers to involuntary, irregular spasms that occur on one side of the face. It commonly occurs in women in their 50s-60s. The cause is not clear, but it is thought to be related to compression of the facial nerve or blood vessels.
Facial pain, feared for its severe pain This is severe pain that appears in the distribution area of the fifth cranial nerve and is also called trigeminal neuralgia. It shows a pattern of repeated, intense pain, with paroxysmal pain lasting from several seconds to several minutes at short intervals. It may be accompanied by temporomandibular joint pain or headache.
Facial Palsy requires steady treatment and care. The pattern and severity of Facial Palsy symptoms vary from patient to patient and can show significant differences, so the direction of treatment for improvement may also differ. Because ongoing treatment and management may be needed, professional Consultation through an examination is necessary. A strategic plan is needed because the intensity and frequency of treatment should be determined according to the degree of damage from Facial Palsy and the severity of aftereffects. In addition, correcting individual lifestyle habits is very important.
Especially in winter, you may feel that symptoms become worse due to cold wind. Also, if overwork, stress, insomnia, and similar lifestyle patterns from excessive work continue, aftereffects may become more severe. Therefore, it is necessary to maintain as regular and stable a daily pattern as possible.
At Kyunghee Ryu Korean Medicine Clinic, we also provide thorough guidance on lifestyle changes, and consultation and care are provided each time you visit for treatment. We have also introduced a prognosis assessment system to predict the prognosis based on the current severity of symptoms and establish a treatment plan.