Northern Vietnam reports surge in facial nerve paralysis amid record cold

The recent drop in temperatures, reaching as low as two degrees Celsius in Lang Son Province on Wednesday, has coincided with an increase in patients admitted with peripheral facial nerve paralysis, also known as Bell's palsy.

Doctors at the Central Acupuncture Hospital in Hanoi report hundreds of cases daily, a sudden spike compared with earlier figures, with around 90 percent linked to cold exposure.

Many patients arrive with drooping mouths, incomplete eye closure, and a skewed philtrum, often due to underdressing or late-night bathing.

Experts warn that delayed diagnosis and treatment can lead to permanent paralysis, and patients showing early symptoms are urged to seek medical attention immediately.

Dr. Hoang Duy Luan from the Department of Traditional Medicine at Bach Mai Hospital, also in Hanoi, explained that early symptoms often include fatigue, shoulder and neck pain, one-sided headaches, and tingling on the affected side of the face and shoulder.

As the condition progresses, patients may develop a downturned mouth, slurred speech, inability to puff the cheeks, loss of nasolabial folds, partial eyelid closure, loss of forehead wrinkles, excessive tearing, tinnitus, sensitivity to sound, and diminished taste on the front two-thirds of the tongue.

Cold exposure is the most common cause of peripheral facial nerve paralysis.

Sudden cold can constrict blood vessels, reducing blood flow and warmth, causing nerve swelling and compression.

Stress and staying up late, especially among young adults, are also increasingly recognized as contributing factors.

Doctors at the Central Acupuncture Hospital noted that the facial nerve passes through the bony canal of the temporal bone, which is not covered by muscle.

Exposure to sudden cold winds can reduce blood flow, causing the nerve to swell and leading to temporary paralysis.

Treatment combines modern medicine, including anti-inflammatory drugs and nerve supplements, with traditional therapies such as electroacupuncture, warm acupuncture, massage, acupressure, and facial cupping, which are especially effective when applied early.

Among other health facilities treating patients with peripheral facial nerve paralysis is the Cam Khe Medical Center in Phu Tho Province.

Dr. Pham Anh Hung, head of the center's Traditional Medicine and Rehabilitation Department, warned that the condition often spikes during seasonal transitions, particularly when temperatures drop sharply, humidity is high, and strong winds carry a chill.

He also emphasized that facial cold exposure is the main trigger, causing inflammation and swelling of the facial nerve and impairing control over facial muscles.

Preventive measures are simple and easy to follow, experts said.

They recommend daily exercise to improve circulation but caution against early-morning or late-night workouts during winter.

People are advised to dress warmly, avoid late-night bathing, dry their hair thoroughly after washing, and protect their faces from cold winds when traveling, either by wearing masks or keeping vehicle windows closed.

Regular health check-ups can help detect and manage conditions that increase the risk of facial nerve paralysis.

Anyone experiencing pain, numbness, or reduced sensation on one side of the face should seek medical care promptly to ensure timely diagnosis and treatment.