headache and numbness in face

[Sarah13S]

I am a 31 yr. old woman who 2 months ago started having weakness on my right side (knee, anle, wrist) and I was fairly unstable-I fell a couple of times. I had a headache (dull most of the time) on the right side, my neck and shoulder were very tense on the right side and my right sinus area on my face went numb. The doctor ordered an MRI and some bloodwork. Everything came back normal. The doctor put me on neurtonin/gabapentin for inflamed nerve endings, but it made me dizzier and unable to focus (I have 2 young children, a job at night, and a small MOPS organization to maintain so I can't be apathetic about life). I went to a chiropractor who treats neuropathy and the dizzy/unstableness was corrected almost instantly. The numbness went away for 3 weeks, but came back not on just the right side, but both sides now numb from the sinus down including my lips. It feels as if they are swollen a little. The chiropractor sent me back to my general physician. She is still going to treat me since we had some sucess but insists that I get it further investigated--which I appreciate. I have had a dull headache for a while that I just deal with- I haven't really taken a lot of tylenol or anything since it mostly isn't intense. However, yesterday I had an intense headache starting ear to ear at the back of my head very intensely, then moving slightly less painfully ear to ear across the top of my head, then on to my face making the numb area tingle. It did this cycle for at least 1.5 hours. I tried to lie down and sleep it off, but I couldn't rest well when it cycled back to the back of head ear to ear pain. After 2 hours had passed when lying down, my head felt all over tense, but I was able to get up, drink some water and get back to life as usual. I have been searching for any information on this cyclical/wave type of headache since I've never experienced anything like it and the doctor I saw today didn't know. I have an appointment with a neurologist next week, but I'd apprecaite any information on this type of headache or a heads-up about what other things the neurologist may consider for my strange numbness and headache. Thank you!

[Sarah13S]

Thank you for your response.  The MRI was so loud and I hate needles, so I am trying to brace myself for whatever exam or test would need to be done. Do cluster headaches cause numbness too? Thanks!

[DrNoopurMD]

Hi,

There is a possibility that this headache is a cluster headache. Cluster headache is known as a cyclical headache. It is characterized by bouts of frequent attacks known as cluster periods followed by remissions.
It is an excruciating headache associated with restlessness and red flushed face.
The exact diagnosis however can be made by a neurological examination. Take care!