Unexplained Heat on the Right Side of the Face: Causes and Solutions

Unexplained fever on the right side of the face?

Hello Doctor: About a year ago, I had a blood test at the hospital, and the needle was inserted in the center of my right arm.
It hurt for more than three months before it got better.
During that time, the pain radiated from the middle of my arm to my forearm and right neck.
The inner side of my forearm felt lumpy (not sure if it was blood vessels).
The hospital prescribed me pain relief patches and Voltaren, but I still experience pain in the center of my arm occasionally when I move it.
Since then, I've noticed that the temperature around my right temple has been noticeably higher, and gradually, the temperature on the right side of my face has also increased.
When cold air blows, I feel less sensation on my right cheek.
About two months ago, I had pain in my right ear and went to the hospital, where the doctor prescribed me Noclofin coated tablets.
A few minutes after taking the first one, my right temple felt like it was burning, but the temperature returned to its previous level after a few seconds.
Two weeks ago, I caught a cold, and the lymph nodes on the right side swelled up.
When I sneezed, mucus ran into my right ear.
Although the cold has resolved and the lymph nodes are no longer swollen, my right ear remains blocked, I can't smell anything, and I can't taste anything.
The temperature from around my right temple to my right cheek and neck has increased further, and in the afternoons, it sometimes feels hot.
I also feel that the right side of my head is warmer.
In recent days, I've had headaches only in the right back of my head, but the temperature in both ears is the same and within normal range.
My family has noted that the right side just feels a bit warmer.
I would like to ask the doctor what could be causing the heat on the right side of my face and neck? Also, what kind of specialist should I see? Thank you!

bella, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2019/03/28

Dr. Lin Wufu reply Internal Medicine

Hello! The relationship between the pain in your right arm and the subsequent symptoms cannot be determined at this time.
However, based on what you mentioned, you have: 1.
Right ear pain 2.
Swelling of the right lymph nodes 3.
Nasal discharge running into the right ear 4.
Hearing loss in the right ear.
It is advisable to first rule out any issues in the right ear, particularly in the middle ear or Eustachian tube area.
Problems in that area could potentially affect the facial nerve, leading to abnormalities in taste and hearing on the right side.
Therefore, I recommend scheduling an initial examination with an otolaryngologist at a major hospital before deciding on the next steps!

Reply Date: 2019/03/28

More Info

The symptoms you are experiencing, particularly the unexplained heat on the right side of your face, along with the pain in your right arm and neck, could be indicative of several underlying issues. Based on your description, it seems that there may be a neurological component involved, possibly related to nerve irritation or inflammation.
One potential cause of the heat sensation and pain could be related to a condition known as neuralgia, which is characterized by sharp, shooting pain along the path of a nerve. The trigeminal nerve, which is responsible for sensation in the face, could be involved, especially since you mentioned discomfort in the right side of your face. Conditions such as trigeminal neuralgia can cause episodes of intense facial pain, and in some cases, may be accompanied by sensations of heat or burning.

Another possibility is that you may be experiencing symptoms related to a cervical spine issue, such as a herniated disc or cervical radiculopathy. These conditions can lead to nerve compression, resulting in pain that radiates from the neck down to the arm and potentially affecting the facial region. The fact that you have had pain in your arm and neck, along with the heat sensation in your face, raises the possibility of a connection between these symptoms.

Additionally, the history of your right ear pain and the recent upper respiratory infection could suggest that there may be an underlying infection or inflammation affecting the ear or surrounding structures. Eustachian tube dysfunction, which can occur after a cold, may lead to feelings of fullness or pressure in the ear, and can sometimes be associated with referred sensations in the face.

Given the complexity of your symptoms, it is crucial to seek a thorough evaluation from a healthcare professional. I recommend scheduling an appointment with a neurologist, as they specialize in conditions affecting the nervous system and can perform the necessary assessments to determine the cause of your symptoms. They may recommend imaging studies, such as an MRI or CT scan, to evaluate for any structural issues in the cervical spine or brain that could be contributing to your symptoms.

In the meantime, managing your symptoms may involve over-the-counter pain relievers, heat or cold therapy, and gentle neck exercises to alleviate any tension. However, it is essential to avoid self-diagnosing or treating without professional guidance, as the underlying cause of your symptoms needs to be accurately identified.

In summary, the unexplained heat on the right side of your face, along with the associated symptoms, could be due to a variety of factors, including nerve irritation, cervical spine issues, or even post-infectious changes. A thorough evaluation by a neurologist will be key in determining the appropriate diagnosis and treatment plan. Please do not hesitate to seek medical attention, as early intervention can often lead to better outcomes.

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