Thank you. This is all incredibly helpful. As a Clinical Doctoral graduate student I do not have insurance that would cover me for speciality visits to the doctor. For now I'll keep an eye on it (possibly pay out of pocket for a chiropractor visit) and wait until I can afford a neurologist visit. Thank you all so much!
Hello~I would see a neurologist regarding this. However, you say you have had this for a long time?
If, after you see a doctor and all is ruled out, I would strongly suggest a visit to a chiropractor. If you have any nerves "pinched" this will cause the feelings you are experiencing and the chiropractor can adjust your neck, after taking x-rays and you will probably be a lot better before you get home. They can do wonders.
Dear Ewat,
Whenever someone has paralysis or weakness in their facial movement, the first thing is to rule out the possiblity of stroke. While stroke is more common in older folks, it can happen in the young, particularly if they are smokers or are on the birth control pill. Usually, however, the symptoms of stroke occur suddenly and you say that your symptoms have been present for as long as you can remember, so it is likely that something else is causing your symptoms.
Probably the most common cause of facial nerve paralysis is "Bell's Palsy". The cause of Bell's Palsy isn't fully understood, but many believe that it is the result of infection or inflammation at the root of the facial nerve caused by the herpes virus (the same virus that causes cold sores). When diagnosed at the onset of symptoms, it is often treated with Acyclovir (a med to treat the infection) and Prednisone (a steroid that treats the inflammation). In most patients, the symptoms resolve within 1 to 2 months though in some they can be longer-lasting or even permanent.
There are other more rare causes of facial paralysis including incomplete development of the facial nerve (present at birth), trauma and tumors (both benign and malignant).
No one can diagnose you over the Internet so it would be wise to ask your PCP to assess you. If he/she thinks it is more than Bell's Palsy, is uncertain of the cause, or can't provide a clear prognosis as to whether your symptoms will resolve or not, your next step would be to see a neurologist.
These could be a normal variance in you, but it could also be a sign of something more serious that needs to be addressed. The first stop you need to make is to a qualified neurologist that can evaluate if the problem is neurological or muscular. They can do the tests to evaluate the issues and can refer you to other specialists depending on their findings.
hi.. it could be a facial nerve weakness, which can be cured...
check whether u can raise wrinkles on both sides of forehead or not?
also whether u can blow air into ur mouth n both sides cheeks are equally out..
all these will be signs of facial nerve involvement which needs attention of a neurophysician!