Can Migranes cause the same symptoms as Bells Palsy?

[nannygoat72]

I have had Bells Palsy over the course of 15 years a total of 5 times (once on my right side and 4 times on my left side).  I have every symptom of Bells Palsy but I went to a Neurologist who says he doesn't belive that I had bells palsy because my body responded so well to the treatment.  He ruled out MS, RA, B-12 deficiency.  In the past 3 days I have had pain from the top of my head on the left down to my chin.  I felt like I was getting the Bells Palsy again.  After talking to the Dr. he said that I had migraines that were causing the numbness.  I am not sure how accurate that is because I know that I had Bell's Palsy.  The recent bout might not have been as extreme as my previous attacks but I had the lopsided smile, tounge was numb, eye tearing especially when I eat or looked at something to read, etc.  I feel that I am on an endless cycle of being attacked by Bells Palsy with no explanation as to why they keep reoccuring.  Is it possible that this is migranes that are causing my facial numbness or should I seek another opinion from a Neurologist.

[FRC23]

See a sleep center. Recurrent "Bells Palsy" is actually very characteristic of narcolepsy with cataplexy. In fact, often times, it's not "Bells Palsy," but cataplexy. Viruses and some vaccines (namely the H1N1) can actually precipitate this, but it can happen seemingly in random fashion, too.

It doesn't look the way you think it looks. Common misdiagnoses are depression, epilepsy, and migraines. I struggled for years to find an answer, and was misdiagnosed several times. I had it with just sleepiness during the day and what looked like insomnia at night for probably about 15-20 years before I ended up with more serious symptoms of narcolepsy that actually included cataplexy (random muscle weakness that can either be isolated, or widespread).

The cataplexy manifested first in my face, as what looked like episodes of Bells Palsy that came and went when I was tired, stressed, or even when I was happy and smiling.  But when I paid closer attention I realized I got weakness and twitching (not uncommon) in my other muscles sometimes too, though I chalked it up to clumsiness until I paid attention. I also had issues with my vision randomly and sleepiness.

I went undiagnosed for about 15-20 years, until I finally saw a sleep specialist and she nailed the diagnosis right away. The vast majority of doctors have absolutely no idea what it is or what it looks like, and no routine lab tests, MRI, CT scan, x-ray or anything of that nature will detect it. 75% of people with narcolepsy never get diagnosed in their lifetime.

I was tested for epilepsy, migraines, MS, all kinds of things. But nope, it turned out to be narcolepsy!!

Get seen by a sleep center!

[selmaS]

Hi...another  issue/condition u may want to investigate is chiari malformation...many times the chiari HA's r diagnosed as migraine...and  many chiarians have had the palsy type facial numbness and drooping....I have had it....and still get it...and I was informed it was related to my chiari condition.

Good luck
"selma"

[gmakp]

Hi, 3 years ago i was hit with very very bad head pain with numbness down leftside my face had drooped aswell and a teary eye.After being in hospital for 10 days i was diagnosed with migraines which they say would last about 18 monthsWell 3 years down the line i am still getting all the symptons but the migraines were being kept at bay by a preventative called topamax.My doc innitially suggested bells paulsy but in the end we have settled for migraines!

[Dr Santos]

Hi,
How are you?  Migraine auras may present with visual symptoms and non-visual auras such as  motor weakness, speech or language abnormalities, dizziness, vertigo, and tingling or numbness  of the face, tongue, or extremities. This responds well to medications. On the other hand, Bell's palsy is a dysfunction of cranial nerve VII or the facial nerve resulting to inability to control facial muscles on the affected side. Bell's palsy is the most common cause of acute facial nerve paralysis. This usually resolves after a few days. It is possible that you have migraine manifestation. Check with your doctor for proper evaluation. You can also seek another opinion to ease any worries. Take care and do keep us posted.