Lack of facial control

I noticed a few days ago that I was having trouble using the left side of my face. I am unable to close my left eye without closing my right and if I try its really painful, I am also unable to shut said eye really tightly. the left side of my mouth also poses a problem. When I try smiling and talking it moves only slightly, while the right side is functioning normally. I also am unable to taste anything on my tongue unless it is really far back like right before I swallow, I thought this initally had to do with my cold, but I've never lost my taste before or lost all control of any muscles. Whats going on with me?


This discussion is related to Loss of facial control.

[Carol in PA]

Ookami,
This sounds like Bell's Palsy.

Bell's palsy is a form of temporary facial paralysis resulting from damage or trauma to one of the two facial nerves.

Bell's Palsy Fact Sheet
http://www.ninds.nih.gov/disorders/bells/detail_bells.htm#109663050

Carol

[Ookami]

Thanks soo much, I now just have to convince my mother to take me to a hospital to get this confirmed. I hope thats just all thats wrong

[Alidora]

Hi Ookami,

I see you live in an area of Ontario that has a lot of reported cases of Lyme disease. Maybe you should consider getting tested for Lyme...

Here's what I found in Wikipedia under Bell's Palsy--because this sure sounds like what you are describing (en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bell%27s_palsy):

"Lyme disease may produce the typical palsy, and may be easily diagnosed by looking for Lyme-specific antibodies in the blood. In endemic areas Lyme disease may be the most common cause of facial palsy."

If you want to know more about Lyme, you can PM me.

Good luck,

Dora

[Jules77733]

Does anyone know if pineal cysts or tumors in the pineal region of the brain can cause facial weakness on one side? I'm experiencing facial weakness on the left side of my face, and I've had a lot of other symptoms for several months now--headaches, dizziness, decreased sensation, vision loss, muscle twitches, singular floater in my left eye, double-vision at night, photosensitivity, nausea sometimes, etc. The facial weakness recently developed within the past week or so.

Thanks, I'd appreciate any insight anyone is able to provide.