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What Causes Intermittent Face And Neck Numbness After Rotator Cuff Surgery?
Question: I had a face lift XXXXXXX 2014. then I had rotator cuff surgery aug 5. I'm now experiencing intermittent face/ neck numbness ( didn't exist prior to RC surgery) near places that were numb for a while following facelift (e.g., ear lobes, jaw, neck, etc. what's causing this?
Brief Answer:
Read below
Detailed Answer:
I read your question carefully and I understand your concern.
Those symptoms are not related to the rotator cuff surgery you have had, especially if you have regained mobility after surgery and there are no muscle spasms which might involve the neck.
It is unclear whether the symptoms are only on one side or bilateral. If the symptoms involve both the face and neck on one side then that would render unlikely a peripheral nerve injury like nerve root compression or trigeminal neuropathy as it doesn't correspond to the territory covered by either. So the cause if related to a neurologic lesion has to be searched in the brain. For that reason I believe if the symptoms are persistent an MRI is recommended to be scheduled to exclude issues like multiple sclerosis or a tumor.
However I do not want you to panic. More then related to a brain lesion I would consider much probable the possibility of the symptoms being due to anxiety, triggered also by this recent surgery. So the MRI would be recommended only as a precaution if the issue persists.
If on the other hand the symptoms are on both sides then I would say the issue is even more probably related to anxiety as it doesn't correspond to a neurological focal lesion.
Some simple blood tests for thyroid function and electrolytes (calcium, magnesium) would also be advised if symptoms as their alterations can at times be associated with such abnormal sensations.
I remain at your disposal for further questions.
Read below
Detailed Answer:
I read your question carefully and I understand your concern.
Those symptoms are not related to the rotator cuff surgery you have had, especially if you have regained mobility after surgery and there are no muscle spasms which might involve the neck.
It is unclear whether the symptoms are only on one side or bilateral. If the symptoms involve both the face and neck on one side then that would render unlikely a peripheral nerve injury like nerve root compression or trigeminal neuropathy as it doesn't correspond to the territory covered by either. So the cause if related to a neurologic lesion has to be searched in the brain. For that reason I believe if the symptoms are persistent an MRI is recommended to be scheduled to exclude issues like multiple sclerosis or a tumor.
However I do not want you to panic. More then related to a brain lesion I would consider much probable the possibility of the symptoms being due to anxiety, triggered also by this recent surgery. So the MRI would be recommended only as a precaution if the issue persists.
If on the other hand the symptoms are on both sides then I would say the issue is even more probably related to anxiety as it doesn't correspond to a neurological focal lesion.
Some simple blood tests for thyroid function and electrolytes (calcium, magnesium) would also be advised if symptoms as their alterations can at times be associated with such abnormal sensations.
I remain at your disposal for further questions.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
numbness is on both sides. I 'mnot allowed to lift anything heavier than a coffee cup with right arm. Seems to be too coincidental that the numbness started only after rotator cuff surgery???
Brief Answer:
Read below
Detailed Answer:
Thank you for your feedback.
Your worry regarding the surgery is perfectly understandable. However anatomically speaking there is no reason why that type of surgery should be complicated with that distribution of symptoms, even more so now that you confirm the fact the numbness is bilateral.
That is why I mentioned the fact that the stress of the procedure might be the triggering factor rather than a nerve damage by the procedure if that is what you feared.
I hope to have been of help.
Read below
Detailed Answer:
Thank you for your feedback.
Your worry regarding the surgery is perfectly understandable. However anatomically speaking there is no reason why that type of surgery should be complicated with that distribution of symptoms, even more so now that you confirm the fact the numbness is bilateral.
That is why I mentioned the fact that the stress of the procedure might be the triggering factor rather than a nerve damage by the procedure if that is what you feared.
I hope to have been of help.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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