Facial paralysis treatment: First three weeks are critical to prevent sequelae

Medical experts emphasize that the first three weeks following the onset of peripheral facial paralysis are critical for treatment to prevent long-term complications. Common symptoms include an inability to close one eye, drooping eyebrows, facial asymmetry, and difficulty eating or drinking due to mouth drooping.

Bell's palsy, a common form of peripheral facial paralysis often linked to viral inflammation due to weakened immunity, has seen a rising trend. Data from the Health Insurance Review and Assessment Service shows that 55,181 patients were treated for Bell's palsy in 2025, a 7.1% increase from 2020.

Failure to seek prompt medical attention can lead to permanent sequelae, such as facial stiffness, asymmetry, or synkinesis, where unintended muscles move simultaneously with intended ones. Experts recommend using electromyography to assess nerve damage and implementing early interventions, which may include steroids or integrated medical approaches involving acupuncture and herbal medicine to aid nerve recovery.