Facial Paralysis from a Traditional Chinese Medicine Perspective

Facial paralysis, known in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) as "kou pi," "zu kou pi," or "facial deviation," is commonly referred to by various names such as "windstroke face," "crooked mouth wind," and "facial distortion." This condition typically arises due to a deficiency in the body's vital energy (Zheng Qi), weakened defensive function, and an empty or weak state of the meridians. External pathogens like wind-cold, wind-heat, or summer-heat dampness may then invade the body, particularly affecting the Yangming and Shaoyang meridians of the face. These imbalances lead to disharmony in the body's defensive and nutritive systems, blockage of qi and blood circulation, and insufficient nourishment to the facial muscles.

Common Symptoms and Clinical Presentation

The primary manifestations of facial paralysis include sudden paralysis of the facial muscles on one side, difficulty in raising the eyebrows on the affected side, facial drooping, incomplete eye closure, excessive tearing, a shallower nasolabial fold, drooping of the mouth corner, drooling, air leakage when puffing the cheeks, food retention, and a noticeable pulling of the face toward the unaffected side. Additionally, patients may experience a reduced sense of taste on the anterior two-thirds of the tongue.

Progression and Recovery Outlook

Acute Onset and Development

This condition usually presents with an acute onset and may progressively worsen within the first week. It can affect individuals of any age. However, most patients begin to show signs of recovery within approximately two weeks after the initial onset.

Potential Complications and Long-Term Effects

Despite the generally favorable recovery timeline, some individuals may not fully regain normal facial function. Lingering effects may include persistent facial muscle movement disorders, spasms, or even muscle contractures. In more severe cases, patients may experience involuntary muscle contractions or synkinesis, where facial muscles move inappropriately during intentional movements.