A 47-year-old woman woke up with a distorted mouth and difficulty closing her right eye, prompting her to seek emergency treatment at the Cam Khe District Medical Center. Upon diagnosis, the patient was found to have facial paralysis caused by exposure to cold temperatures. The night before, she had run her air conditioner in her bedroom at a low setting, leading to her experiencing unusual symptoms upon waking up.
Following the diagnosis, the patient underwent rehabilitation treatment at the Department of Traditional Medicine and Rehabilitation. After four days of treatment, her facial paralysis improved but did not fully recover. Doctor Pham Anh Hung, head of the department, explained that facial paralysis occurs when the motor nerve responsible for controlling facial muscles is compressed and inflamed. In this case, it was likely triggered by cold exposure, with 75% of cases resulting from sudden exposure to cold.
While most cases of peripheral 7th nerve paralysis are not immediately life-threatening, they can lead to long-term complications if not treated promptly. These complications may include facial imbalances, a distorted mouth, difficulty closing eyes tightly, and other symptoms affecting emotions and aesthetics. Dr. Hung recommended preventive measures such as maintaining a moderate room temperature, using a humidifier and avoiding direct exposure to air conditioning to avoid such conditions.
To prevent similar incidents from happening again families are advised not to set their air conditioners too low to ensure proper ventilation and stay hydrated when spending extended periods in air-conditioned rooms. Regular maintenance of air conditioners is also recommended to prevent mold growth and bacteria buildup which can cause other health problems.
In conclusion, while most cases of peripheral 7th nerve paralysis are not life-threatening they can lead to long-term complications if left untreated promptly. It’s essential for individuals who spend extended periods in air-conditioned rooms or work in such environments regularly take preventive measures such as maintaining moderate room temperature using humidifiers or avoiding direct exposure entirely
