Should I See a Neurologist for My Mother's Eye and Facial Symptoms?

Q: Should I See a Neurologist for My Mother's Eye and Facial Symptoms?

Hello： Your mother's symptoms may indicate inflammation of the tissues around the eyes, leading to compression of the trigeminal nerve. <br>It is recommended to start by consulting the neurology department at the same hospital, where the physician can make a more accurate assessm

Should I schedule an appointment with a neurologist?

About a month ago, my mother started experiencing excessive tearing in her eyes.
Three weeks ago, the symptoms worsened, and she began to feel numbness from the lower part of her right eye to her upper lip.
She first visited an ophthalmology clinic, where the doctor diagnosed her with dry eye syndrome and prescribed eye drops; however, her symptoms did not improve.
She then went to the ophthalmology department at Hsin Lou Hospital for further examination, which showed no issues.
After discussing her symptoms, the doctor referred her to a neurologist.
Following an MRI, the doctor stated that there were no problems with her brain or trigeminal nerve.

However, two days ago, she started to notice slight swelling around her right eye and face, and yesterday she experienced a headache and nausea.
After visiting a clinic, the doctor suggested a referral, but even the doctor was unsure which specialty to refer her to.
Today, she went to a well-known ophthalmology clinic for another check-up, but again, everything appeared normal (she was concerned about the swelling in her eyes and feared her condition was worsening).
Following the doctor's advice, she also consulted an ENT clinic, which also found no issues.

Now, we are truly uncertain about which specialty to consult, even if we go to a large hospital.
I have scheduled an appointment for her with the neurology department at Chengda Hospital, but I am unsure if this falls under the scope of neurology or if we should see an ENT specialist or a neurosurgeon instead.

Fion, 30~39 year old female. Ask Date: 2018/07/07

Dr. Jiang Junyi reply Neurology

Hello: Your mother's symptoms may indicate inflammation of the tissues around the eyes, leading to compression of the trigeminal nerve.
It is recommended to start by consulting the neurology department at the same hospital, where the physician can make a more accurate assessment based on the observations and treatments from previous doctors.
When seeking care across different clinics, it can be challenging to integrate medical records.
In fact, New Tower Hospital is also a good option, as you have already seen a neurologist there and had an MRI done.
I suggest you consult either a neurologist or an otolaryngologist to discuss further examinations and treatment.
Wishing you and your mother good health, peace, and happiness.
Dr.
Jiang, Neurology, Taoyuan Hospital, cares about you.

Reply Date: 2018/07/07

More Info

Based on the symptoms you've described regarding your mother's eye and facial issues, it is indeed appropriate to consider seeing a neurologist. Your mother has experienced a range of concerning symptoms, including tearing, facial numbness, swelling around the eye, headaches, and nausea. These symptoms could potentially indicate a neurological issue, especially given the involvement of the facial area and the fact that the symptoms have progressed over time.

Initially, your mother was diagnosed with dry eye syndrome, which is a common condition that can cause tearing and discomfort. However, since the symptoms have not improved with treatment and have escalated to include facial swelling and neurological symptoms like numbness, further investigation is warranted. The fact that she has already undergone an MRI that showed no abnormalities in the brain or trigeminal nerve is a good sign, but it does not completely rule out other neurological conditions.

The swelling around the eye and the associated symptoms could suggest several possibilities, including:
1. Trigeminal Neuralgia: This condition can cause severe facial pain and may be associated with swelling or discomfort in the facial region. It often requires specific treatments that a neurologist can provide.

2. Migraine or Cluster Headaches: These types of headaches can sometimes cause facial swelling and nausea. Neurologists are well-equipped to diagnose and treat these conditions.

3. Sinus Issues: While you mentioned that an ENT specialist found no issues, sinus infections or inflammation can sometimes cause facial swelling and discomfort. If there is any suspicion of sinus involvement, a follow-up with an ENT might still be necessary.

4. Autoimmune Conditions: Conditions such as Sjögren's syndrome or other autoimmune disorders can cause dry eyes and facial symptoms. A neurologist can help evaluate for these conditions.

5. Other Neurological Disorders: There are various neurological conditions that could manifest with facial symptoms, and a neurologist would be the right specialist to evaluate these possibilities.

Given that your mother is experiencing multiple symptoms that are affecting her quality of life, it is crucial to pursue a comprehensive evaluation. If the neurologist finds no clear neurological cause, they may refer her to other specialists, such as a rheumatologist for autoimmune conditions or a pain management specialist for chronic pain issues.

In the meantime, it is essential to keep track of her symptoms, including when they occur, their severity, and any potential triggers. This information can be invaluable for the healthcare providers in diagnosing and treating her condition effectively.

Lastly, it is understandable that this situation is causing you and your family stress. It is important to communicate openly with your mother about her symptoms and the need for further evaluation. Encourage her to be proactive about her health and to seek help when needed. If she is hesitant to see a neurologist, you might suggest that it is just another step in understanding her health better, rather than implying that there is something seriously wrong.

In summary, seeing a neurologist is a reasonable next step given the complexity of your mother's symptoms. They can provide a thorough evaluation and guide you on the appropriate course of action, whether that involves further testing, referrals to other specialists, or treatment options.

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