What are the causes of bilateral facial paralysis?

Generally, bilateral facial paralysis may be caused by aging, emotional stress, exposure to cold, multiple sclerosis, stroke, and other factors. Symptomatic management through general treatment and medication is usually required. If discomfort occurs, it is recommended to seek timely medical attention and undergo appropriate treatment under a physician's guidance. Detailed explanations are as follows:

1. Aging

With advancing age, the body's nerve tissues gradually age, and the nervous system, including the facial nerves, may undergo degenerative changes. The conduction velocity of nerve fibers slows down, and motor coordination of facial muscles declines, ultimately leading to symptoms of bilateral facial paralysis. It is recommended to maintain a regular lifestyle to allow adequate rest for nerves and muscles.

2. Emotional Stress

When experiencing significant emotional stress, the body's autonomic nervous system may become imbalanced, with increased sympathetic nervous system activity. This may lead to abnormal excitation or inhibition of the facial nerves, thereby affecting normal facial muscle movement and causing bilateral facial paralysis, which may be accompanied by anxiety, depression, insomnia, and other symptoms. It is recommended to use relaxation techniques such as deep breathing, yoga, and meditation to alleviate stress in daily life.

3. Exposure to Cold

If the weather is particularly cold and facial protection is neglected for a prolonged period, local blood circulation may be affected, leading to symptoms such as facial coldness and muscle stiffness. In severe cases, bilateral facial paralysis may occur. It is recommended to maintain warmth protection in daily life; wearing scarves, hats, and similar items when going out can help, and local heat application may also improve symptoms.

4. Multiple Sclerosis

Multiple sclerosis is primarily caused by the combined effects of autoimmune reactions, viral infections, and other factors. In patients with multiple sclerosis, the immune system mistakenly attacks the myelin sheath, leading to impaired nerve conduction. When the lesions affect the facial nerve nuclei in the brainstem or their efferent pathways, bilateral facial paralysis may occur, possibly accompanied by symptoms such as blurred vision, limb numbness, and ataxia. It is recommended to use medications such as glatiramer acetate injection, dimethyl fumarate enteric-coated capsules, and teriflunomide tablets under medical guidance for treatment.

5. Stroke

Stroke is mainly caused by cerebral vascular rupture or vessel blockage. During a stroke, impaired cerebral blood supply or hemorrhage leads to damage of local brain tissue. If the affected area involves the facial nerve nuclei in the brainstem or their efferent pathways, bilateral facial paralysis may result, possibly accompanied by symptoms such as slurred speech, limb weakness, and hemiplegia. It is recommended to use medications such as warfarin sodium tablets, aspirin enteric-coated tablets, and clopidogrel bisulfate tablets according to medical instructions to alleviate symptoms.

In daily life, it is recommended to maintain a balanced diet and consume more foods rich in B vitamins, such as whole wheat bread, lean meat, fresh fruits, and vegetables, which help nourish the nerves and prevent facial paralysis.