Facial paralysis

Posted By Lynette Robinson on December 02, 1998 at 23:12:05:







I am a 47 year old female, 5-3, 108 lbs. Approximately 12 months ago I
suffered what appeared to be a chronic sinus infection with
severe headaches and facial pain. My physician treated this with six
different antibiotics with no success. he eventually performed an MRI
which revealed no sinus infection. He eventually diagnosed the problem
as "facial neuralgia" and prescribed elavil. The problem eventually
subsided.
Recently in the past two weeks I have developed facial numbness. My mother
has suffered from Bells Palsy in the past although it went away. My problem
has developed to the point where the entire left side of my face has become
numb and my left eye is dry. I also have a TMJ problem which I have had
off and on for some time. My primary care physician has ordered another
MRI and consultation with a Neurologist.
I am wondering if the facial neuralgia, TMJ, and current symtoms (symptoms) could
be interrelated. The current problem developed a few days before my
menstrual cycle began.
Thank you