Two-faced athelete

Whenever I exercise vigorously, only the right side of my face sweats and gets red.  After running or playing raquetball, there will be a distinct, fine line running vertically down the middle of my forehead, down passed the nose -- and the left side of my face will be dry, cool, and of a normal color.  The other side will be bright red, warm, and very moist with perspiration.  I had a heart stress test and the arteries in my neck were checked for blockages.  These tests did not reveal an abnormality.  Can you tell me what my problem may be and if I am in any danger?  Many thanks.

[CCF-M.D.-MJM]

Hi DFGadd,

This usually isn't caused from an arterial or venous problem.  It is called anhydrosis which essential means no sweating or water.  This may be caused by a congenital (from birth) problem if you have had it as long as you can remember or sometimes can be caused by an injury to a nerve ganglian (bundle of nerves) in your cervical spine (neck).  It can be casued by injury or compression.  The important thing to do is rule out compression of this nerve ganglian which is usually done by a CT or MRI. There is a distinct syndrome called pancoast tumor which is associated with anhydrosis and constriction of the pupil.  I would bring this up with your doctor or asked to be referred to a neurologist to evaluate for this.

I doubt you are in any sort of danger, but rarely a tumor can compress these nerves and causes these symptoms.  I hate to write that in a forum because I don't want to make you nervous, but I also want you to be educated about the possibilities and be informed enough to seek proper evaluation.

I hope this helps.  Please post follow up if you think about it.

[DFGadd]

Thank you for your reply.  I first noticed this weird display about 7 years ago.  It has been occurring ever since (after a strenuous workout).  I do not believe it has been happening since birth.  Just the same, I will bring it up to my local doctor.  Thanks again.