Laqwa (Facial Paralysis / Bell’s Palsy)

The word Laqwa means “eagle.” When an eagle sits, it keeps its face turned to one side and its mouth appears widened. Since, in this disease, the patient’s face becomes crooked and the mouth widens, it is called Laqwa. When the face becomes twisted toward the right side, the mouth on the left side does not close properly. The patient is unable to spit, whistle, or blow air. The left eye remains open even during sleep. When the patient drinks water, it may spill out, and saliva continuously dribbles from the mouth. Both lips and eyelids do not close properly. Laqwa generally occurs due to two causes:

1. Relaxation or weakness (Istirkha)

2. Spasm of the eyelid muscles or facial muscles (Tashannuj-e-Azlat-e-Wajh)

If Laqwa is caused by relaxation or weakness, then when one side droops, the other side is also affected and becomes loose, deviating from its normal shape. If the cause is strong, the weakness is severe; if the cause is mild, then only one side is affected. The type of Laqwa caused by muscle spasm is more common. It usually affects one side only, causing the face to twist toward the right side. If the face turns toward the left side, paralysis may also accompany it.

Relaxation-Type Laqwa (Laqwa Istirkhai)

Its symptoms include weakness of movement on the affected side, dullness of sensation, softness of the skin, and looseness in the muscles. No feeling of tightness or stretching is noticed. The lower eyelid appears somewhat drooped, and the membrane near the jaw in front of the affected eye becomes loose and relaxed, clearly showing signs of muscular relaxation.

Symptoms

• One side of the face appears swollen or puffed up and the skin looks thin.

• On the affected side the patient cannot properly control blowing air or holding saliva in the mouth

• headache often accompanies the facial paralysis.

Causes

• Excessive use of cold and dry substances/things.

• Mixture or accumulation of thick phlegm and black bile.

• zarba-o-wasaqta

• Brain abscess / swelling in the brain (cerebral swelling or pus formation in the brain).