Unusual winter chill sparks surge in facial nerve paralysis cases:Doctors raise alarm as Indore logs over 109 cases in a month; 22–42 age group most affected

An unusually long spell of cold mornings and sharp temperature drops through the first three weeks of November has begun affecting public health in Indore. Apart from a rise in viral infections, doctors at Maharaja Yeshwantrao (MY) Hospital are now reporting a significant spike in Facial Palsy aka Bell’s palsy, a form of sudden facial paralysis linked closely to winter winds and abrupt temperature shifts. Between mid-October and mid-November, the hospital’s physiotherapy department treated 109 patients, a number that senior doctors say is much higher than usual for this time of the year. Many patients arrived with sudden drooping of the face, difficulty closing one eye, trouble chewing, blurred vision and slurred speech—classic signs of facial nerve paralysis. Working adults and teenagers most affected MY Hospital’s month-long record shows that working-age adults between 22 and 42 years formed the largest share of patients. Many of them are outdoor workers, delivery riders, medical representatives and two-wheeler commuters who are exposed to cold wind for long periods. Senior physiotherapist Dr Arun Patidar said he was not surprised by the trend. Teenagers were the second-largest affected group, with 26 patients between ages 15 and 18. Doctors noted that a number of teenage cases began after school or coaching commutes in cold early mornings. The 29–39 age group remained the highest among adults, followed by those in their early forties. Doctors observed a consistent pattern: symptoms often appeared after exposure to direct cold wind, sudden movement from warm rooms to chilly outdoors, or sleeping near windows where cold air seeped in overnight. How the winter cold triggers paralysis Doctors say early winter brings together several factors that increase the risk of Bell’s palsy. Cold wind can restrict blood flow to the facial nerve, while sudden temperature changes may inflame and irritate the nerve canal. Seasonal viral reactivation, especially herpes simplex virus, also increases during this period, further weakening the nerve’s ability to function. This is why we see a spike every winter. But this year’s early and extended cold spell has made the rise steeper, said Dr Patidar. Hospital data shows 35 percent of cases this month were directly linked to early-winter conditions, far more than in fall, spring or summer. Case study 1: Field worker’s face drooped overnight Hemant Bijnwa, a 23-year-old Rapido field worker, experienced paralysis on the left side of his face around October 23–24. He woke up with stiffness and soon realised his left eye wouldn’t close fully. Saliva began drooping from one side, his speech turned slightly slurred, and redness appeared across his cheek and temple. Hemant had no fever, trauma or pre-existing condition. After being screened at MY Hospital, he was referred to physiotherapy. He began treatment the same day and within 20 days, regained 90 percent of his facial movement without medication. I thought it was just from bad sleep. But it kept worsening. Physiotherapy made me normal again, he said. Case study 2: Homemaker suddenly loses movement on one side Sangeeta Chauhan, a 38-year-old homemaker, experienced sudden paralysis on the right side of her face while doing morning chores. Her vision blurred, water dripped from her mouth when she tried drinking, and chewing became difficult. The facial muscles tightened rapidly, leaving her unable to maintain symmetry. Doctors found no major underlying illness but noted prolonged exposure to cold conditions and lowered immunity. She is now under physiotherapy at MY Hospital and recovering steadily with guided muscle retraining. How MY Hospital treats Facial (Bell’s) Palsy Physiotherapy is the primary line of treatment, and MY Hospital follows a structured rehabilitation protocol. It involves neuromuscular retraining to restore facial movement, targeted exercises for controlled eye closure and smiling, mirror-guided coordination, and daily massage to reduce stiffness. Advanced techniques such as EMG biofeedback, electrical stimulation and kinesiotaping are used to reactivate weak muscles and prevent overactivity in the unaffected side. Dr Goyal emphasized that early intervention is critical: Patients who start therapy within the first three days show the fastest recovery. Delay prolongs the damage. Unusual cold in November, this year The month of November has also been unusually cold in Indore, with the city recording 11 straight days of cold-wave conditions, the longest such spell ever reported in this month. Minimum temperatures dipped to 7–8°C, remaining 6–7 degrees below normal, while brisk northeasterly winds kept the chill constant throughout the day. Weather officials say the cold arrived earlier than usual and is expected to intensify again in the first week of December. Precautions as Indore heads deeper into winter Doctors advise covering the face and ears while travelling, avoiding direct exposure to cold wind, maintaining strong immunity, and avoiding sudden temperature transitions. Any early sign of facial stiffness, drooping or inability to blink should prompt immediate medical attention.