Excessive use of AC may cause facial paralysis, warn UAE doctors

With temperatures ready to soar in the UAE, experts are warning residents to be aware of a certain condition that is caused by a high usage of air conditioners across the country. The sudden transition from extremely warm temperatures outdoors to cold temperatures indoors is one of the leading concerns associated with Bell's palsy, a facial paralysis caused due to the inflammation of the facial nerve in the skull.
The lesser-known condition is characterised by the inability to move one side of the facial muscles and is often mistaken for a brain stroke by patients' due to appearance similar symptoms. Bell's Palsy also causes drooping of the facial muscles, twitching, weakness, drooling, pain around the ear and increased sensitivity to sound.
According to most international population studies, 15-30 cases per 100,000 population of Bell's palsy are observed annually. Additionally, Bell's palsy accounts for 60-75 per cent of acute unilateral facial paralysis cases with the right-side being affected 63 per cent of the time. In rare cases, the condition can occur on both sides of the face.
Due to the onset of summer, doctors are advising people of all age groups to be careful and seek medical assistance in case of any sudden numbness on the face. Sleeping in extremely cold temperatures, leaving your hair wet in cold temperatures and sudden fluctuations between extreme temperatures should be avoided as much as possible.
Recounting a recent case of a young UAE resident, Maria Kristina, physiotherapist, Canadian Specialist Hospital, said: "Eliza was on vacation in Europe when she developed the condition. Following a hot shower, Eliza left the window open and fell asleep with her hair still wet and woke up with numbness around her mouth the next morning. The condition worsened in the next 48 hours and the right side of her face appeared to be paralysed."
Eliza decided to fly back to the UAE for a second opinion. At the Canadian Specialist Hospital, she was referred to the rehabilitation department, where she was treated by physiotherapy in addition to the traditional medication. Eliza completely recovered her facial symmetry after eight sessions and was able to move her facial muscles like before.
"When Eliza visited us, she was unable to fully close her right eye and move her right eyebrow, she couldn't smile, whistle, eat or even drink properly. However, after her third session itself, her muscles had started functioning and she was able to move her eyebrows and lips," said Kristina.
The methods used during physiotherapy include electrical stimulation to help restore the tone and strength of the facial muscles, infrared radiation to improve blood circulation, facial massages to prevent drooping and facial exercises to regain muscle movement. Due to the lack of muscle movement, patients suffering from Bell's Palsy are unable to close their eye leading to increased exposure to light and dust. The constant exposure to air may lead to eye dryness and damage, hence, patients are advised to wear protective eyewear at all times.
"Bell's Palsy is more common than thought due to the high usage of air conditioners in the region. The condition may occur from the transition of cool AC temperatures to the warm temperatures outdoors. Extreme cold temperatures in offices, houses, malls and cinemas may trigger damage to the facial nerve in rare cases and should be avoided. Kids area should always be moderately cool as they too are at risk of developing the condition", added Kristina.
Speaking about the main cause of the disease, Dr Caesar Zahka, consultant neurologist at Burjeel Hospital for advanced surgery, said: "Many people get it after they get out from a warm or hot place (like out of a hot shower) to a cool place with high AC. This sudden change in temperature could be responsible for activating a latent virus in a person causing the problem. The recovery from Bel's palsy takes from few days to at times a year or more. About 10-30 per cent of people may not recover at all."
In addition to medications, doctors now recommend immediate physiotherapy as it expedites the growth of the damaged nerve and helps gain full recovery. Moreover, physiotherapy helps restore the original symmetry of the face and regain complete muscle movement.

What is Bell's palsy?