Dizziness and Facial Numbness: Possible Neurological Causes

Q: Dizziness and Facial Numbness: Possible Neurological Causes

Hello： Your symptoms may suggest an issue with the autonomic nervous system. <br>I'm not sure if you have undergone any tests related to this or arterial blood gas analysis. <br>Hyperventilation can also cause similar symptoms. <br>Excessive hyperventilation leads to a decrease i

Dizziness, a feeling of pressure and fullness in both sides of the back of the head, numbness in the left side of the face, and discomfort in the left eye?

Hello Doctor: I am a 37-year-old male.
Since May of last year, I have been experiencing dizziness, a feeling of pressure in the back of my head, and some numbness and weakness in my hands.
I visited a neurologist and underwent upper limb nerve conduction studies.
The doctor suggested that it might be due to improper posture compressing the nerves and recommended maintaining a proper posture.
I later tried physical therapy, electrical stimulation, and neck stretching, as well as traditional Chinese medicine, but the results were limited.
In October of last year, I paid out of pocket for MRI scans of my brain and spine, which showed mild degeneration between the first and second cervical vertebrae, but no significant issues elsewhere.
During this time, I continued taking traditional Chinese medicine and also tried acupuncture, massage, and core muscle training, but my symptoms persisted.
Recently, in addition to the aforementioned symptoms, I have started to feel some numbness in my left cheek, and my left eye feels a bit uncomfortable, although there is no drooping of my mouth or eye.
Occasionally, my head also feels numb.
The dizziness occurs daily, but I have not fainted.
The facial numbness tends to be worse in the afternoon.
In July of this year, I had a company health check-up, and my urine, blood tests, blood pressure, blood lipids, and cholesterol levels were all normal.
Additional blood serum tests, cancer screenings, and hepatitis tests were also normal, with the only finding being thickening of the pleura at the lung apices on a chest X-ray, but I have no discomfort in my lungs.
What could be the cause of these symptoms? What can I do next to improve my condition? Which specialty should I consult or what tests should I undergo? Thank you for your assistance, Doctor.

Mr. Zhang, 30~39 year old female. Ask Date: 2018/09/04

Dr. Jiang Junyi reply Neurology

Hello: Your symptoms may suggest an issue with the autonomic nervous system.
I'm not sure if you have undergone any tests related to this or arterial blood gas analysis.
Hyperventilation can also cause similar symptoms.
Excessive hyperventilation leads to a decrease in carbon dioxide levels in the blood, resulting in an increase in pH, which can trigger systemic reactions and symptoms.
Common manifestations include vasoconstriction and hypocalcemia.
Reduced blood flow to the brain due to vasoconstriction can cause dizziness and numbness (especially around the lips and upper limbs); hypocalcemia can lead to muscle spasms and cramps in the hands and feet.
Low carbon dioxide levels in the blood often make patients feel short of breath, and excessive breathing can lead to chest pain.
Mouth breathing can cause dry mouth, and sometimes air may enter the gastrointestinal tract, leading to bloating and belching.
I recommend that you consult a neurologist to discuss testing and treatment.
Wishing you good health and peace.
Dr.
Jiang, Department of Neurology, Taoyuan Hospital, cares about you.

Reply Date: 2018/09/04

More Info

Dizziness and facial numbness can be concerning symptoms, especially when they persist over time. Based on your description, it appears that you have been experiencing a range of neurological symptoms, including dizziness, facial numbness, and a feeling of heaviness in the back of your head. These symptoms can arise from various underlying conditions, and it's crucial to explore potential neurological causes.

Firstly, the dizziness you are experiencing could be attributed to several factors. One common cause is cervical spine issues, particularly if you have mild degeneration between the first and second cervical vertebrae, as noted in your MRI report. Degenerative changes in the cervical spine can lead to nerve compression, which may result in symptoms such as dizziness and numbness in the arms or face. This is often referred to as cervical vertigo, where the dizziness is related to neck problems rather than inner ear issues.

Additionally, the numbness in your left cheek and the discomfort in your left eye could suggest involvement of the facial nerve or other cranial nerves. Conditions such as trigeminal neuralgia, which affects the trigeminal nerve responsible for sensation in the face, could lead to facial numbness and discomfort. Another possibility is that your symptoms may be related to anxiety or stress, which can manifest physically as dizziness and numbness.

Given that you have already undergone several tests, including nerve conduction studies and imaging, it may be beneficial to consider a few additional evaluations. A comprehensive neurological examination by a neurologist is essential to assess your symptoms further. They may recommend additional imaging studies, such as an MRI of the brain, to rule out any central nervous system issues, including multiple sclerosis or other demyelinating diseases, which can present with similar symptoms.

In terms of treatment, addressing any underlying cervical spine issues through physical therapy, chiropractic care, or even surgical options (if indicated) may help alleviate your symptoms. Additionally, if anxiety is a contributing factor, cognitive-behavioral therapy or other forms of psychological support may be beneficial.

It's also worth considering lifestyle modifications, such as regular exercise, maintaining good posture, and managing stress through relaxation techniques or mindfulness practices. These can help improve overall well-being and potentially reduce the frequency and severity of your symptoms.

In summary, your symptoms of dizziness and facial numbness warrant further investigation by a neurologist. They can provide a thorough assessment and guide you toward appropriate treatment options. It's essential to remain proactive in seeking care and to communicate openly with your healthcare provider about your ongoing symptoms and concerns.

Similar Q&A

Understanding Facial and Limb Numbness: Possible Causes and Solutions

Recently, I have been experiencing frequent episodes of dizziness, tinnitus, and palpitations, which have made me very anxious. I constantly worry about whether I might be ill, and it has even affected my daily life, leading to emotional instability. I researched online and found...

Dr. Jiang Junyi reply Neurology
Dear Miss Chi, Regarding your mention of "early symptoms of multiple sclerosis," your symptoms do not align with this issue, as they do not present as lesions in a single area of the nervous system. Multiple sclerosis is caused by inflammation in the central nervous sy...

Understanding Unexplained Neurological Symptoms: A Guide for Concerned Friends

I have a female friend who suddenly felt numbness in her arms and legs while using the restroom this morning, which then spread throughout her body, making her unable to walk. After I helped her to bed to rest, she felt a chill in her back, experienced blurred vision, was sweatin...

Dr. Du Haojie reply Neurology
Paroxysmal localized numbness or associated consciousness disturbances with blurred vision typically occur during seizures or strokes. If the duration is brief, one should also consider vasovagal syncope triggered by vagus nerve stimulation. Additionally, migraines caused by basi...

Understanding Dizziness and Confusion: Possible Neurological Causes

Hello, doctor. Since February of last year, I've been experiencing a heavy, dizzy sensation in my forehead and around my eyes. This feeling has significantly impacted my daily life. When I look at things, everything used to be clear, but since the onset of these symptoms, I ...

Dr. Jiang Junyi reply Neurology
Dear Mr. Yu, You mentioned that "the area between the eyebrows feels very heavy, and my vision is gradually becoming blurry, but it gets a bit better after resting." These symptoms may suggest autonomic nervous system dysfunction leading to decreased cerebral circulati...

Understanding Facial and Scalp Numbness: Possible Causes and Concerns

I'm not sure if I have hypertension, hyperlipidemia, or diabetes. I experienced facial numbness a couple of days ago, which was limited to my face, but today the numbness has spread to my entire head and face. I also noticed red streaks in my eyes. What could be the issue wi...

Dr. Jiang Junyi reply Neurology
Dear Mr. Blue Sky, You have reached middle age, and the likelihood of developing metabolic syndrome and the three highs (hypertension, hyperlipidemia, and hyperglycemia) increases significantly. It is recommended that you take advantage of the free adult health checkups provided...