Facial Numbness

  : For the past week, I have been experiencing left-sided facial numbness from below the cheek, involving the neck, ear, nose and lip.  I used to get this right before a migraine.  I am on prophylactic medication (verapamil 240) for this.  I also have a history of cervical trauma - whiplash.  I don't have the typical signs of Bell's palsy - facial droop, trouble closing eye, but someone told me this may be early Bell's palsy?  Do you think I need to have this checked by a physician, or should I ride it out?
  MS and stroke have been ruled out?
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Sorry about taking so long to get to this post.
Sometimes people with Bell's palsy experience some unusual sensations, but by and large Bell's is a facial weakness. That is, you get drooping of the mouth and difficulty closing the eye on one side. There may or may not be taste abnormalities on that side of the tongue, and you may have alterations in hearing on the affected side.
If you have a typical Bell's palsy (usually due to a virus), then you would have had it by now, so this message might be pointless.
However, numbness by itself may be a cause for concern. If this is the first-ever time you have experienced it, then I'd get it looked into right away. If you are accustomed to this sensation in the context of migraines, then that may be all it is (even despite prophylaxis).
Someone (anon) suggested stroke and MS. These certainly can cause facial numbness, but a thorough systematic approach will consider those as possibilities in the right context, and I wouldn't jump to conclusions without the appropriate data.
I hope this helps. You are certainly welcome to call 800 223 2273 and ask for neurology appointments (4-5559) here at the Cleveland Clinic, if you desire an evaluation or second opinion.
As you know, this infromation is posted for your medical education. Specific comments regarding diagnosis, treatment options, and prognosis must come from your doctor after appropriate evaluation. CCF MD mdf.