headache and numbness/tingling on left side of face

[Waynesliljeanne]

I have ready several notes here, but have not found quite what I think I'm looking for.  For several months now I have had recurring numbness and tingling, similar to novicane recovery, along with a non-painful but ache-like tension in the neck & upper shoulder muscle and a pressure feeling in the throat - all only on the left side.  Sometimes this tingling feels almost like it is burning.   This is accompanied with a painful sometimes stabbing headache.  The numbness makes the left side of my face feel heavy, droopy, but it is not actually physically so.   Many times I notice that I stretch my neck to the right trying to relieve the "tension", and stretch my jaw also to reduce tightness in the joint on the left.     These symptoms occur sometimes several times a day and sometimes several days apart.  There does not seem to be a particular trigger - I have watched over several weeks.  The doctor wants to diagnose "atypical" migraine, but can't explain why it involves the neck/shoulder areas  or the tingling around the lips and chin.  
Tylenol, etc. do not help.  The symptoms are increasing in frequency , intensity and length of time.  This strongly affects my concentration, makes me feel draggy but not sleepy,  and saps all my ambition.          I have recently had a nerve conductivity test because of cold/numbness/whiteness in my hands and have been diagnosed with "mild carpal tunnel" but apparently the other symptoms are not related.   I did look at the "Lyme disease" notes here and do not see a strong correlation.       Any body have any ideas?

[myproblem]

RE:  cold/numbness/whiteness of hands
Has you Dr. mentioned Raynaud's Phenomenon?
How about Vasculitis?

[Waynesliljeanne]

Thanks.  Yes, Reynauds was mentioned but that's all.  Vasculitis was not mentioned, but I have looked into it a bit.  I kind of think it may be a pinched nerve in the shoulder/neck area.  And I'm almost betting that it will end up being a combination of things in my hands.  If anyone has any more suggestions I would like to hear them.   Thank you.

[joshua217777]

How about TMJ?

[Shotgunannie30]

You didn't mention if your headache was in one particular place, but alot of your symptoms sound a bit like Chiari Malformation, also known as Arnold-Chiari Malformation. Have you ever had an MRI on the lower part of your head and neck? You should look it up online and see if it matches your symptoms.

[YOUNGGIRL219]

HI EVERY ONE

I AM 20 YRS OLD AND FOR THE PAST 2 WEEKS I WAS GETTING A SHARP STABBING PAIN ON THE LOWER LEFT PART OF MY HEAD..THEN A FEW DAYS AGO MY LEFT SIDE OF MY FACE WAS NUMB,MYLEFT EYE IS VERY TEARY BUT I DON'T HAVE PAIN IN MY FACE JUST MY HEAD..I WENT TO THE DOCTOR AND SHE DIAGNOSED ME WITH "CLUSTER HEADACHE MIGRAINE" SO I WAS DOING RESEARCH ON LINE.. AND IT SAID THAT SYMPTOMS ONLY LAST ABOUT 30-45 MIN..I HAVE HAD THIS NUMBNESS FOR 3 DAYS ALREADY..WHAT SHOULD I DO ANY SUGGESTIONS!!

[Altz]

All Same pans with me YOUNGGIRL219, i'm 30 yrs old though and my face does not get numb.
I also have mild toothaches on those that are with pasta.
weired coz those are in good conditions.
I afraid to see the doctor, but i will.
Anxious,
me

[verac]

Did you ever fine a diagnosis for you symptoms from your 2006 post? I seem to be having almost identical symptoms. So far, I have no ENT problems, normal CT's and now seeing a neurologist who is having me go for an EEG this Thursday. It's been nearly 10 weeks of headache, facial heaviness with heavy feelings. Also, some left arm tingling, coldness and slight numbness. I hope you found a solution.

[netty404]

wow... i was researching my symptoms I have every single symtom that you have. last nights episode was the scariest off all. i couldnt pick up my son. I cried on and off from 3pm to 4am.  Was wondering if you had more specifics. like my worst pain is behind my eye. Even when the headache finally starts going away that is the last part to go away. My neck and shoulders and jaw feel stiff,burn and ache...for days after and will come on again with that same feeling starting my neck up left side of my skull. at its worst my face feels numb and tingling and droopy. I feel drunk i cant even focus. If you found out what you have will you please foward what you found out. thanks

[Weesy68]

Some thoughts are TIAs which are like mini strokes -- Transient Ischemic Attacks, Complicated Migraines can do that -- It could be something called Trigeminal Neuralgia which is uncommon but seen by dentists when they have a patient who experiences dental-like pain but has no actual physical findings to explain the pain.  If they suspect you have it, they will refer you to a specialist.  Multiple Sclerosis can cause some of those symptoms as well, and has a sign that creates burning behind the scapula called Lhermitte's sign.

[mandy595]

i have had really bad  headaches and facial heaviness it feels like a drum beating in my head