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Neurology (Expert Forum)
scared... bilateral facial paralysis and hand and feet tingling
Answered by
Lama Chahine, MD - Neurology
Cleveland Clinic
Cleveland - OH
This forum is for questions and support regarding neurology issues such as: Alzheimer's Disease, ALS, Autism, Brain Cancer, Cerebral Palsy, Chronic Pain, Epilepsy, Fibromyalgia, Headaches, MS, Neuralgia, Neuropathy, Parkinson's Disease, RSD, Sleep Disorders, Stroke, Traumatic Brain Injury.
scared... bilateral facial paralysis and hand and feet tingling
by oramy037, Jun 27, 2009 09:50AM
I am a 20 yr.old female in desperate need of help. About a month ago I had a week or so of body aches,hot flashes,extreme fatigue and weakiness, later that evening both legs from the knees down were added to the mix and I was having problem navagating the steps causing me to fall. By the third day my entire left face was paralysed. Went to the doctors. His concern had me sent to emergency room. CAT scan negative, Preliminary blood work okay. MRI next day of head seems normal. Seeing neurololgist Monday. All symptoms remain except my facial paralysis has progressed involving the right side of my face a well. I am dizzy, can't walk heel to toe and have some problems walking correctly at times. I have no strength deficits just neurologic weakness says the doctors. Can Someone help?? It's a long time till Monday and things aren't getting better. JUST WORSE!!
Doctor's Answer
by Lama Chahine, MD, Jul 02, 2009 09:41PM
, Jul 02, 2009 09:41PM
Thanks for using the forum. I am happy to address your questions, and my answer will be based on the information you provided here. Please make sure you recognize that this forum is for educational purposes only, and it does not substitute for a formal office visit with your doctor.
Without the ability to examine you and obtain a history, I can not tell you what the exact cause of your symptoms is. However I will try to provide you with some useful information.
With paralysis of both sides of the face, what is termed bilateral facial palsy, with systemic symptoms such as body aching, fatigue, etc, there are certain infections that would need to be checked for. These include HIV, Lyme disease, and syphilis (please understand I am not trying to imply I think you have one of these conditions, but only that these infections can cause paralysis of both sides of the face). With a normal MRI of the brain, it is reassuring there is not something like a tumor or vascular malformation, but if the MRI was not done with contrast (dye) then some things may have been missed. For example, there is one condition called sarcoidosis, which is an immune-mediated problem, that can cause bilateral facial palsy. A lumbar puncture may also be necessary to investigate other causes.
Continued follow-up with your physician is recommended.
Thank you for this opportunity to answer your questions, I hope you find the information I have provided useful, good luck.
Without the ability to examine you and obtain a history, I can not tell you what the exact cause of your symptoms is. However I will try to provide you with some useful information.
With paralysis of both sides of the face, what is termed bilateral facial palsy, with systemic symptoms such as body aching, fatigue, etc, there are certain infections that would need to be checked for. These include HIV, Lyme disease, and syphilis (please understand I am not trying to imply I think you have one of these conditions, but only that these infections can cause paralysis of both sides of the face). With a normal MRI of the brain, it is reassuring there is not something like a tumor or vascular malformation, but if the MRI was not done with contrast (dye) then some things may have been missed. For example, there is one condition called sarcoidosis, which is an immune-mediated problem, that can cause bilateral facial palsy. A lumbar puncture may also be necessary to investigate other causes.
Continued follow-up with your physician is recommended.
Thank you for this opportunity to answer your questions, I hope you find the information I have provided useful, good luck.
Member Comments (2)
by mlgirl, Jun 27, 2009 10:05AM
To: oramy037
I don't have the same symptoms as you, but I have been experiencing worrisome twitches in my legs for the last month and am getting tests done to rule out things like ALS, MS, and the like. It is EXTREMELY worrisome and frightening not knowing what is causing the twitching and not knowing if they will ever go away or if they will get worse. PLEASE keep your doctors informed of what you're going through and ask for more tests or a second opinion if you're not getting better. Also, you might need to take an anti-anxiety medication to get through the next few days. Good luck!
