Left Side of Face Numbness

[wn4c]

I woke up this morning and noticed immediately that it felt like I had on a pair of tight sunglasses on the left side of my face.  This is the best way that I can explain the way that the numbness feels.  My left ear is completely numbness as well as all along behind it.  I can also tell that my left side of my face is numb but it isn't as bad as from my ear back.  Has anyone ever had this just happen out of the blue?  Can you tell me what it might be?  I have no medical insurance so I am trying to keep from going to the ER.  Thanks, Angela

[dagobell]

I have numbness on my left side the numbness extends into my mouth and top of my head. I do not have medical insurance either but I went to the ER. I have MS so I thought it may be a complication of that, the ER doctor was not sure of my diagnosis, they did many tests including CT Scan, MRI, and blood and urine tests. They mentioned Complex Migraines could be the problem. I have made an appointment with my Neurologist. Did you find out what caused your numbness, because I still don't have an answer to mine. Thanks!

[Dr. Kokil Mathur]

Hi
Thanks for writing to the forum!

Common cold, sinusitis, ear infection, sensory nerve compression, peripheral neuropathy as in diabetes can all cause ear numbness that spreads to face. Hemi-facial numbness is also seen in Bell’s palsy, trigeminal neuralgia where a spasm may cause numbness, or due to acoustic neuroma which is a benign tumor of the eighth cranial nerve.
It is difficult to comment beyond this at this stage. Please discuss these possibilities with an ENT doctor. I understand that you do not have medical insurance, but this is a problem that cannot be resolved by self care. Please let me know if there is any thing else and do keep me posted. Take care!