HealthCareMagic is now Ask A Doctor - 24x7 | https://www.askadoctor24x7.com

question-icon

What Causes Facial Asymmetry With Numbness And Radiating Pain In The Neck?

default
Posted on Tue, 20 Dec 2016
Question: Smile has been crooked all day. Face doesn't feel numb. Been dealing with neck pain that seems to radiate to the back of my ear. Not sure if that's relevant. Hope it's not a stroke.
doctor
Answered by Dr. Olsi Taka (1 hour later)
Brief Answer:
Should be evaluated

Detailed Answer:
I read your question carefully and I understand your concern.

Generally a stroke has more manifestations than the facial asymmetry. There is also some degree of weakness or numbness in the body particularly in the upper limb on the same side with the facial weakness. So I wouldn't consider it very likely.

However while not likely, there are cases of minor stroke which may have very few signs. So if you are sure this facial asymmetry has appeared only today (there are people who have some facial asymmetry) then an evaluation is warranted even at the emergency room and if confirmed that it is a central nerve palsy (as opposed to the peripheral benign Bell's palsy) imaging is required. You are at a uncommonly young age to have a stroke but still the association with the neck pain may indicate a cervical artery dissection which is a common cause of stroke in the young.
Pain in the back of the ear is a feature of Bell's palsy as well though, so do not want you to be alarmed, but should be seen to differentiate between a peripheral and central nerve palsy (usually easy to do through observation of some maneuvers with the facial muscles - in Bell's palsy muscles of the forehead and eye are involved as opposed to cases with brain lesions where they are spared).

I remain at your disposal for other questions.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
Answered by
Dr.
Dr. Olsi Taka

Neurologist

Practicing since :2004

Answered : 3673 Questions

premium_optimized

The User accepted the expert's answer

Share on

Get personalised answers from verified doctor in minutes across 80+ specialties

159 Doctors Online

By proceeding, I accept the Terms and Conditions

HCM Blog Instant Access to Doctors
HCM Blog Questions Answered
HCM Blog Satisfaction
What Causes Facial Asymmetry With Numbness And Radiating Pain In The Neck?

Brief Answer: Should be evaluated Detailed Answer: I read your question carefully and I understand your concern. Generally a stroke has more manifestations than the facial asymmetry. There is also some degree of weakness or numbness in the body particularly in the upper limb on the same side with the facial weakness. So I wouldn't consider it very likely. However while not likely, there are cases of minor stroke which may have very few signs. So if you are sure this facial asymmetry has appeared only today (there are people who have some facial asymmetry) then an evaluation is warranted even at the emergency room and if confirmed that it is a central nerve palsy (as opposed to the peripheral benign Bell's palsy) imaging is required. You are at a uncommonly young age to have a stroke but still the association with the neck pain may indicate a cervical artery dissection which is a common cause of stroke in the young. Pain in the back of the ear is a feature of Bell's palsy as well though, so do not want you to be alarmed, but should be seen to differentiate between a peripheral and central nerve palsy (usually easy to do through observation of some maneuvers with the facial muscles - in Bell's palsy muscles of the forehead and eye are involved as opposed to cases with brain lesions where they are spared). I remain at your disposal for other questions.