On 14/7, Dr. Hoang Duy Luan, a treating physician in the department, reported that pediatric patients typically present with facial deviation to one side, a crooked smile, an inability to close their eyes completely, or water leaking from their mouths when drinking. A notable case involved a 2nd-grade student admitted with severe symptoms, significantly hindering daily activities and communication.
According to medical experts, peripheral facial nerve paralysis can affect individuals of all ages, not just adults as commonly believed. Traditional medicine refers to this condition as "khau nhan oa ta", which often appears suddenly due to wind-cold invading the meridians of the head and face. Early warning signs can include fatigue, neck and shoulder pain, headaches, or numbness on one side of the face before noticeable facial distortion.
A common mistake many parents make is self-treating their child's crooked mouth with coin rubbing, vigorous massage, or traditional remedies, believing the child has simply "caught a wind" (trung gio). This practice inadvertently delays critical medical intervention and the exclusion of other serious neurological conditions. Dr. Nguyen Minh Trang, Acting Head of the Department of Traditional Medicine, warns that families must seek emergency care immediately if facial paralysis is accompanied by limb weakness, speech difficulties, seizures, or excessive vomiting, as these could indicate brain damage rather than simple facial paralysis.
At the hospital, doctors combine modern medicine with traditional methods such as electroacupuncture, warm acupuncture, acupressure massage, and cupping to support the child's facial muscle recovery. Proper treatment helps minimize sequelae, protecting the patient's vision and psychological health. Experts emphasize that people should never attempt self-treatment at home, as these procedures require trained medical professionals for safe execution.
To prevent the condition, parents should pay special attention to keeping children warm, especially during sudden environmental changes. Children must dry their bodies and hair immediately after swimming, avoid sitting directly under overly cold air conditioning drafts, and limit the consumption of iced beverages. Early detection and timely treatment at medical facilities are crucial for children to quickly return to normal activities, avoiding long-term aesthetic and functional impacts.
Le Nga
