Facial Paralysis vs. Stroke: Understanding the Difference

文章编写：Melody 林医师

While both facial paralysis (面瘫) and stroke (中风) can lead to facial drooping or asymmetry, they are two entirely distinct medical conditions.

What's the Key Difference?

• Facial Paralysis (面瘫): 

  Primarily affects the face, usually on one side only. Other parts of the body generally show no symptoms.

  
  

• Stroke (中风): 

  Affects not only the face but also other parts of the body, such as numbness or weakness in the limbs, or difficulty speaking.

How to Tell if It's Facial Paralysis or a Stroke?

If you suddenly notice your face looks asymmetrical, try these simple checks:

👉🏻Can you furrow both eyebrows? 

If you can only furrow one eyebrow, it might be facial paralysis.

👉🏻Can you close both eyes tightly? 

If one eye can't close completely, it could also be facial paralysis.

👉🏻Can you puff out your cheeks? 

If one corner of your mouth droops and you can't puff out your cheek, it might be facial paralysis.

👉🏻Check other parts of your body: 

If, in addition to facial changes, you also experience numbness or weakness in your hands or feet, then you should be concerned about a stroke.

If any of these signs appear, it's crucial to seek medical attention immediately for a proper diagnosis.

Why Is Prompt Diagnosis So Important?

‼️ Facial paralysis typically does not endanger life, but if not treated promptly, it can lead to long-term after-effects.

‼️ Stroke is a medical emergency where time is brain (时间就是生命). The sooner treatment begins, the better the chances of recovery and minimizing long-term damage.

While both facial paralysis and stroke can cause facial asymmetry, they are different diseases requiring different treatments. If you experience facial asymmetry, seek immediate medical care to avoid delaying crucial treatment.

If you'd like to learn more about TCM wellness or wish to receive more personalized advice tailored to your specific situation, we recommend booking a consultation.