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What Causes Numbness In Right Side Of Face?

Posted on Fri, 26 Sep 2014

Question: I went to the emergency room with ear and throat pain and they prescribed me magic mouth wash. After my second gargle, I may have taken too much and 30 minutes after, the right side of my face became numb. I believe this is because I was gargling on the right side of my throat. It happened yesterday and today I'm a tad worse, still numb and paralyzed. How long will this last and is there anything I can do to make it go away?

Answered by Dr. Naveen Kumar Nanjasetty (24 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Facial nerve palsy on the right side..

Detailed Answer:
Hi

Thanks for posting the query

It is good that you preferred to seek a professional help immediately, I will try my best to give appropriate information about your problem.

After seeing the image and going through the history, I am of the opinion that you are suffering from Grade 1 facial nerve palsy (7th cranial nerve palsy) on the right side of the face. This is secondary to infection of the ear. Trust me; it is nothing to do with the mouth gargles. The 7th cranial nerve, i.e. the facial nerve, emerging from the brain has its course in the ear and exits from below the ear to supply the face, tongue, etc. This nerve has got inflamed because of the ongoing infection in the ear.

I would suggest you to consult your doctor immediately. Do not worry! This is a treatable problem. You will require oral steroids with antibiotics for the treatment of the same. Also, physiotherapy will be required for the affected side.

Hope I have answered your query; I will be available for the follow-up queries.

Regards
Dr. Naveen Kumar N.
ENT and Head & Neck Surgeon

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vinay Bhardwaj

Follow up: Dr. Naveen Kumar Nanjasetty (43 minutes later)

Thank you so much. I'm going to my doctor as soon as possible, it's just a concern for me because one of the ingredients in the magic mouthwash has a potent numbing effect and this happened to me right after. Are you sure it has nothing to do with that? Also is there a specific doctor I need to visit for this? Thank you so much
And the paralysis will go away completely right? I'm very concerned

Answered by Dr. Naveen Kumar Nanjasetty (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
Facial Nerve palsy is completely curable...

Detailed Answer:
Hi

Thanks for writing back

I am sure, the Facial nerve palsy is not because of the mouth wash. You need to consult an Internist or an ENT Specialist.

Do not worry! It's completely curable. Wish you good luck and good health.

Regards
Dr. Naveen Kumar N.
ENT and Head & Neck Surgeon

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vinay Bhardwaj

Follow up: Dr. Naveen Kumar Nanjasetty (2 days later)

I went to the doctor and they prescribed me amoxicillin 500 mg tablets 3 times a day for 10 days. as well as valtrex 1000 mg tablets 3 a day for 7 days. And lastly prednisone, 20 mg tablets 3 a day for 7 days. The side effects of prednisone are psychotic and just completely awful, I searched online and many people have had a same experience. Is it going to be this throughout the entire 7 days? When will the side effects diminish and go away? Also, is there anything specific I should be eating while I'm taking these meds? Thank you so much for all your help I'm so grateful.

Answered by Dr. Naveen Kumar Nanjasetty (6 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Oral steroids do not cause psychological problems

Detailed Answer:
Hi

Welcome back

It's good to know that you are on right medicines. Do not worry! Oral steroids are not going to cause any psychological problems when used for shorter duration.

Avoid coffee/tea/alcohol/smoking till you complete your medicines. Eat plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables.

I wish you good health and good luck.

Regards
Dr. Naveen Kumar N.
ENT and Head & Neck Surgeon

Note: For more detailed guidance, please consult an Internal Medicine Specialist, with your latest reports. Click here..

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Prasad