Face Injury - Numbness

[faceinjury386]

Recently was struck in the face during an altercation (5 days ago). Since then, I have had a continous numb feeling in my left nostril, between my nose and upper lip, in my upper lip, and even in my upper gums. I can still move everything, but it feels like I recieved a shot of novicane in the area. Also, I think that I have lost my sense of smell in the notril that is numb. I light a piece of paper on fire and blew it out. I could not smell this when I plugged my right nostril and tried to smell through my left. Getting pretty nervous that this incident might leave me changed forever.

I have gotten x-rays and nothing is fractured. I also saw a similar post from 2007 on this site, but nothing recently. Was hoping someone with this a similiar experience or medical training could help. Should I see a specialist? If so what type? Thanks.

[geolove]

I also had a face injury, but it was in soccer and it was an accident head bashing near the goal. Anyway, I had about 12 numb teeth four months ago, but now it is down to one tooth that is numb.

I do suggest eating a liquid diet for one month like I did. Smoothies and soups. You can melt popcorn in the mouth during movies. Tastes great. I did a barley stew in the crock pot and it was great as well.  

That said, if you grind your teeth at night, then it might take longer to have numbness go away. I did some hot tubs right before bed to relax me so I would not grind.

Good luck...

[Dr. Kokil Mathur]

Hi
Welcome to the MedHelp forum!
Localized numbness following a blow or blunt trauma can be due to damage to sensory nerve endings. This is more true as you have lost the sense of smell. Generall post injury if the nerves are in shock, then after initial numbness, there will be recovery. However, if the damage is permanent, then there will be no recovery.
You should consult a neurologist for this. Take a multivitamin pill and try and massage the are to restore circulation.
It is difficult to comment beyond this at this stage. Please let me know if there is any thing else and do keep me posted. Take care!