What causes an elderly person's mouth to become crooked and speech unclear, and what should be done?
Jun 06, 2023
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Yang Jun
Introduction
An elderly person's crooked mouth and slurred speech may be caused by facial nerve paralysis, cerebral infarction, cerebral hemorrhage, or other conditions, and appropriate treatment should be selected based on the specific underlying cause. Prolonged exposure to air conditioning or cold winds may lead to cold-induced stimulation, resulting in facial nerve paralysis, which can manifest as drooping of the mouth corner, facial asymmetry, and unclear speech.
Slurred speech and facial drooping in elderly individuals may be caused by conditions such as facial nerve paralysis, cerebral infarction, or cerebral hemorrhage. Appropriate treatment depends on the specific underlying cause. Detailed analysis is as follows:
1. Facial Nerve Paralysis
Prolonged exposure to air conditioning or cold wind may lead to cold stimulation, resulting in facial nerve paralysis. This can manifest as drooping at the corner of the mouth, facial asymmetry, and unclear speech. Under medical guidance, medications such as dexamethasone tablets or prednisone acetate tablets may be used for treatment.
2. Cerebral Infarction
Cerebral infarction may impair local cerebral blood circulation, causing ischemia and hypoxia that leads to softening and necrosis of brain tissue. If the affected area involves the brain's language center, the aforementioned symptoms may occur. Treatment may include medications such as enteric-coated aspirin tablets or clopidogrel hydrogen sulfate tablets, as prescribed by a physician.
3. Cerebral Hemorrhage
Cerebral hemorrhage can increase intracranial pressure, compressing blood vessels and nerves in the brain. If the language center is compressed, it may result in facial drooping and slurred speech. Treatments such as hematoma evacuation or decompressive craniectomy may be performed to reduce intracranial pressure and prevent compression of critical brain areas.
In addition to the above, similar symptoms may also be caused by acute myocardial infarction, intracranial aneurysm, or brain tumors. It is recommended to seek timely medical evaluation at a reputable hospital for accurate diagnosis and targeted treatment.
