Influenza A outbreak in mainland China, many patients experience facial paralysis

 Direct translation

Editor : Fang Xiao / https://www.epochtimes.com/b5/25/1/21/n14418486.htm / Image : The picture is a schematic diagram. (VCG/VCG via Getty Images △)

The influenza A virus (H1N1) is currently at a high incidence in mainland China, and many patients infected with influenza A have symptoms of facial paralysis. The Department of Neurology of the Eastern Theater Command Air Force Hospital of the Chinese Communist Party has received many similar patients.

According to reports from Jiangsu News, Yangtze Evening News and other media, recently, 42-year-old Nanjing citizen Ms. Zhang developed a series of symptoms including fever, cough, and body aches. She was diagnosed with influenza A. After treatment, her condition gradually improved.

However, Ms. Zhang suddenly found that her left face was stiff, she could not smile normally, her eyes had difficulty closing completely, and she had pain behind her ears. Recently, accompanied by her family, she went to the Department of Neurology of the Eastern Theater Command Air Force Hospital for treatment and was diagnosed with facial neuritis.

Jiao Dongsheng, a neurosurgeon at the hospital, said, "When the patient came, we saw at first glance that he had typical peripheral facial paralysis." Recently, the department has received many similar patients. They all have one thing in common - they developed symptoms of facial neuritis shortly after the onset of influenza, including crooked corners of the mouth, difficulty closing the eyes, uneven eyes, and fading or disappearance of forehead wrinkles. Some patients may also experience decreased taste at the front of the tongue, water leakage when drinking, and even drooling. Due to facial muscle paralysis, food is easily left in the mouth when patients eat, affecting their normal life. "

The report said that influenza A virus is currently at a high incidence rate. Jiao Dongsheng explained that influenza virus is a highly contagious respiratory virus that not only causes respiratory symptoms, but may also affect the nervous system. "After the influenza virus enters the human body, the immune system will attack it, but if the virus behaves The immune characteristics of the facial nerve are similar to those of the facial nerve, and the immune system may accidentally damage its own facial nerve."

Since the facial nerve is responsible for controlling the movement of the facial expression muscles, once it is attacked by the immune system, it may lead to the occurrence of acute peripheral facial neuritis. Jiao Dongsheng said, "Different influenza subtypes trigger different immune responses, just like the previous novel coronavirus can cause some people to lose their sense of smell and taste, and this influenza virus may be more likely to invade the facial nerve. Therefore, even if Even people with stronger immunity may be infected due to excessive immune response." If not treated in time, about 10% of patients may have sequelae, such as facial deviation, muscle weakness, etc.

Jiao Dongsheng said, "Some people initially thought it was just a toothache and waited until it became serious before coming to the hospital, which may have already missed the best treatment period."

He emphasized that if facial neuritis is not treated at all or is left to heal on its own, the incidence of sequelae will greatly increase, especially for the elderly, who should seek medical attention as soon as possible, "because in addition to facial neuritis, they also need to be alert to the onset of acute cerebral stroke."