Bach Mai Hospital recently admitted a male patient with a distorted mouth and inability to fully close his eye after waking up one morning. Previously, the patient had soaked in a hot tub for about 2-3 hours before returning to a room with air conditioning. The next morning, the patient's mouth would not close completely, making it difficult to drink water, causing water to spill out while brushing teeth, preventing smiling, and resulting in one eye not closing fully and one eyebrow being immobile.

Doctors diagnosed the patient with peripheral facial nerve paralysis, also known as facial paralysis. Treatment involved modern medicine with anti-inflammatory drugs combined with traditional medicine, including electroacupuncture, massage, acupressure, and cupping. After a short period of treatment, the patient's condition improved significantly, facial muscle movement recovered well, and eating and daily activities became easier.

A doctor performs electroacupuncture for a patient with facial paralysis. *Photo: Nguyen Ha*

Master, Doctor Hoang Duy Luan, from the Traditional Medicine Department at Bach Mai Hospital, stated that peripheral facial nerve paralysis is a common condition that can affect all ages and is caused by various factors. Summer is a time when many people are complacent, thinking that hot weather prevents them from "catching a cold." In reality, constantly moving between hot and cold environments, entering an air-conditioned room immediately after being in hot sunshine, or allowing cold air to blow directly onto the face, head, or nape can cause blood vessels to constrict, leading to ischemia and nerve inflammation, resulting in facial paralysis.

Typical symptoms of facial paralysis include: facial asymmetry, a distorted mouth pulled to one side with loss of forehead wrinkles, the affected eye not closing completely, water easily spilling from the corner of the mouth when drinking, slurred speech, inability to whistle or puff out cheeks, and possibly accompanying ear pain, tinnitus, and reduced taste in the front part of the tongue. The condition is not life-threatening, but delayed treatment can lead to lasting sequelae such as facial muscle contracture, persistent mouth distortion, reduced taste, and impacts on appearance and psychological well-being.

If peripheral facial paralysis is detected early during the "golden period" and treated correctly, there is a high chance of recovery. Depending on the case, patients may receive internal medicine treatment combined with traditional medicine therapies such as acupuncture, cupping, and massage to optimize effectiveness. Doctors recommend that if symptoms like a distorted mouth, inability to fully close an eye, or a lopsided smile appear, individuals should seek medical attention promptly for examination. Self-treatment with traditional "cao gio" (coin rubbing), applying remedies, or delaying professional treatment at home is not advised.

To limit the risk of facial paralysis during hot weather, doctors advise people not to set air conditioning too cold. Avoid directing cold air currents directly onto the face, head, or nape. Do not bathe late at night, and ensure hair is dry after washing. Limit sudden temperature changes and take precautions when moving between hot and cold areas to avoid thermal shock. Exercise regularly. Eat a balanced diet, get enough sleep. Maintain a relaxed state of mind, and avoid prolonged stress.