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What Causes Numbness On Face?
Question: I have numbness along the left side of my face, as if a cold, wet string is running from the middle of my eyebrow, through my nose, and lips. Sometimes this numbness/tingling runs down into my arm, and feels like it's blocking my ear. recurrent symptoms, though seems to be especially apparent when I am tired. Is it possible that this could be caused by blocked sinuses?
Brief Answer:
As below:
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Thank you for your query.
1. Yes, sinusitis may cause such symptoms. A plain Sinus CT will settle the issue. Sinusitis can be treated with medication, Balloon Sinuplasty or FESS (Functional Endoscopic Sinus Surgery).
2. The Trigeminal (Fifth Cranial Nerve) on each side supplies sensation to the same side of the face. The arm is supplied sensation by spinal nerves. An MRI Scan will be required if the Sinus CT is normal.
3. A cause which can lead to both would include Trigeminal Neuralgia with cervical spine problems, neuropathies, Raynaud's phenomenon (when exposed to cold temperatures), carpal tunnel syndrome and many other rare causes.
4. Get a Neurologist's opinion. You may follow up here with your test results.
5. Painkillers for neuralgias are different than those for musculo-skeletal pain.
I hope that I have answered your queries. If you have any further questions, I will be available to answer them.
Regards.
As below:
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Thank you for your query.
1. Yes, sinusitis may cause such symptoms. A plain Sinus CT will settle the issue. Sinusitis can be treated with medication, Balloon Sinuplasty or FESS (Functional Endoscopic Sinus Surgery).
2. The Trigeminal (Fifth Cranial Nerve) on each side supplies sensation to the same side of the face. The arm is supplied sensation by spinal nerves. An MRI Scan will be required if the Sinus CT is normal.
3. A cause which can lead to both would include Trigeminal Neuralgia with cervical spine problems, neuropathies, Raynaud's phenomenon (when exposed to cold temperatures), carpal tunnel syndrome and many other rare causes.
4. Get a Neurologist's opinion. You may follow up here with your test results.
5. Painkillers for neuralgias are different than those for musculo-skeletal pain.
I hope that I have answered your queries. If you have any further questions, I will be available to answer them.
Regards.
Note: Consult an experienced Otolaryngologist / ENT Specialist online for further follow up on ear, nose, and throat issues - Book a Call now.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Answered by
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