Anyone out there get numbness on one side of your face and how has it turned out? I'm worried that it's something serious, PLEASE HELP.

[stryder20]

I keep getting numb in one cheek and I don't know why -- for about 3 weeks. Right before the numbness I noticed a swollen lymph node by my ear and started pressing on it for a few days obsessively (not smart), then all the sudden my right cheek/jaw area on the same side gets numb on and off. I am literally out of my mind worried that its something serious like MS or a tumor. Is there anyone out there that can shed some light on this. I'm wondering of the pushing of the lymph node by my ear has maybe compressed a facial nerve? I appreciate everyone on this board - Please help.

[PaulMD]

Hi there.

Several nerves exit the skull at different points to supply the skin and muscles of the face, jaw, and upper part of the neck.  The facial nerve which controls most of the muscle  in the face exits in front of your ears and pierces the parotid gland (one of our salivary glands).  It maybe possible that that inflamed lymph node may be part of the parotid gland or a separate lymph node.  Inflammation of such structures can affect the facial nerve but this should present more of facial muscle weakness rather than numbness.  Any affectation of the trigeminal nerve can cause facial numbness since this nerve supplies the sensory areas of the face.  A possibility is trigeminal neuralgia.  I suggest you consult a neurologist to have this evaluated thoroughly.  Regards and hoping for the best.

[stryder20]

Hi,

Thank you so much for your response. I have one more question for you, and please know that I certainly don't expect any type of diagnosis from a message board:) Do symptoms of MS usually affect various areas of the body rather than one same area over and over? I'm asking this because your response regarding a specific nerve sounds more like what I feel than responses from others who indicate MS. I have now had this "numbness" feeling in the exact same lower cheek/jaw area for 4 weeks now. Also, it seems to be better after waking and worse as the day progresses after eating/talking, etc.

I was just curious, since it seems to me that MS as a CNS condition would affect random areas rather than consistently in one specific area. Again, thank you.

[SOONERMOM]

I also started having numbness in one cheek back in October.  I had pressed on a zit on my face before it swelled slightly and went numb.  It eventually grew to affect almost my whole left side at one time or another.  I have seen 4 neurologist and have been given numerous "diagnoses".  I was and still am being worked up for MS(I have numerous white matter lesions in my brain).  This is even after testing positive for lyme disease by western blot.  Because it isn't endemic in the state that I live, the doctors here won't even entertain the idea.  From what I understand, the more your symptoms move around A LOT and are "all over the place" the more likely it is that you have a systemic disease (like lyme) vs. a CNS disease like MS.  I don't know if you have posted your quesiton on the MS board or not, but they are a great bunch of wonderful people!!

You need to find a good neurologist and probably have an MRI done.  I really think the unknown is more scary than being able to address any known problem.  Just remember to rule out lyme disease.  I don't want to bore you with the details, but this has been the most bizarre 6 months of my life!!
ps. I still have numbness in my face on the left side

Best wishes,
Stacey

[PaulMD]

Hi.

MS can involve many parts of the body and may not present with the same symptoms at any one time.  I agree with soonermom that you may need an MRI.  Regards.