facial numbness and tightness

[tati11]

i am 25 yr old female i hae been experiencing facial numbness on both sidesof my face it feels like facial tightness in and also numbness on the rightv  back side of my tongue without slurred speech or paralysis i have had it for a month  on and off i have gone to the dr but they dont dia diagnose anything i wish they can tell med awhats the cause they have not done any xrays nor MRI its a lil scary that dr's dont have answers so it gives me anxiety a lil hard to focus at times not sure if im over analysing the situation please help

[Dr. A. Srivastava]

Hi, Thank you for your question. The symptoms you are describing bear resemblance to few possibilities like facial nerve palsy, trigeminal neuralgia MPDS( myofacial pain dysfunction) and then TMJ disorder due to strenuous opening of mouth for long sittings of RCT. Facial nerve palsy is characterized by inability to close eye, loss of sensation on affected part, difficulty in speaking and mask like face on affected side because facial nerve innervates facial muscles and any damage to facial nerve may cause inability make facial expressions like smiling, frowning etc. Second possibility is Trigeminal neuralgia - neural pain of face with possible loss of sensation on the affected part of face but eye is seldom involved. It is usually associated with history of traumatic extraction of ipsilateral tooth. Third possibility can be sinusitis due to possible oro-antral fistula after extraction leading to sinus infection. This may lead to dull pain over the cheek area but inability to close eye and tongue involvement may not be explainable with this condition. You may consult an oral surgeon/physician/ neurologist to rule out above stated possibilities who may be able to help you in this regard. Take care.

[tjj3761]

Hello,

I do not know if you have been referred to a neurologist or not, but I would see a neurologist, especially if this is something you have never had before.

Sometimes physicians will ask if you are under any stress or anxiety situations, which can cause some of these symptoms.

On the other hand, sometimes the symptoms themselves can cause anxiety because you are worried about what is happening or the cause.

We know when things are not right in our own bodies and it is something other than stress.

If your symptoms continue, I would start a documentation of your symptoms, when they occur, if anything makes them worse or better.  

Feel better....

terri