Occasional Facial Numbness: Is It Related to Nerve Issues?

Occasional facial numbness?

Last night, while lying flat in bed, I suddenly felt a tingling and numb sensation on the left side of my face and around my ear.
It felt somewhat cool and was different from the numbness caused by posture issues.
It was only slightly uncomfortable, but it would go away with slight movement or touch, although the discomfort would return once I settled down again.
My facial movements were normal.
I have experienced this sensation occasionally in the past, but it has been rare.
I am unsure if this is related to the facial nerve.
I am a bit anxious about it.
Thank you, doctor.

Cherry, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2021/09/05

Dr. Jiang Junyi reply Neurology

Dear Ms.
Cherry,
You mentioned that "facial movements are normal," which is less indicative of facial nerve damage.
Facial nerve damage primarily affects the seventh cranial nerve, with clinical symptoms including a sensation of stiffness in the face and loss of motor function.
Due to the inability to close the eyelids, tearing may also occur.
Sometimes, patients may notice an increased sensitivity to sound due to a decrease in the ear's tympanic reflex, as well as a diminished taste sensation on the tip of the tongue.

Facial sensation is primarily mediated by the trigeminal nerve, which includes sensations of touch and temperature in the face.
Your description of "numbness and a cool sensation on the left side of the face and near the ear, which does not seem to be caused by a positional issue" may suggest an abnormality in the cervical nerve roots.
Typical discomfort symptoms associated with cervical nerve root pathology include pain in the shoulder blade or arm, as well as numbness, tingling, and weakness in the palm and fingers.

Cervical joint disorders can lead to neck pain and stiffness, causing pain due to compression of nearby nerve roots, which may even radiate to the temples, shoulders, arms, and hands, resulting in discomfort.
I recommend that you visit a neurology clinic for further examination and follow-up.
Please ensure to practice self-protection, cleanliness, and disinfection before and after your medical visit, adhering to the new preventive measures.
Thank you for your inquiry, and feel free to discuss any related questions further!
Wishing you good health and peace,
Dr.
Jiang Junyi, Taoyuan Medical Center

Reply Date: 2021/09/05

More Info

Facial numbness can be a concerning symptom, especially when it occurs suddenly or intermittently. Based on your description, it seems that you experienced a transient sensation of numbness and tingling on the left side of your face and ear, which resolved upon movement or touch. This type of symptom can indeed be related to nerve issues, but it is essential to consider various factors to understand its significance better.

Firstly, the facial nerve, also known as cranial nerve VII, is responsible for controlling the muscles of facial expression. It also carries sensory information from parts of the ear and the anterior two-thirds of the tongue. When there is a disturbance in this nerve, it can lead to symptoms such as facial weakness, numbness, or tingling. However, your ability to move your facial muscles normally suggests that there may not be a significant impairment of the facial nerve at this time.

The sensations you described—numbness and a tingling feeling—could be attributed to several potential causes. One possibility is a temporary compression or irritation of the facial nerve, which can occur due to various reasons, including sleeping in an awkward position, muscle tension, or even minor trauma. Another possibility is that these sensations are related to a phenomenon known as "paresthesia," which can occur due to nerve irritation or inflammation. Conditions such as anxiety or stress can also lead to heightened awareness of bodily sensations, which may make you more sensitive to these feelings.

Additionally, it is important to consider other potential causes of facial numbness. For instance, migraines can sometimes present with sensory disturbances, including numbness or tingling in the face. Other neurological conditions, such as multiple sclerosis or transient ischemic attacks (TIAs), can also cause facial numbness, although these are less common and usually present with additional symptoms.

Given that you have experienced this sensation occasionally and that it resolves quickly, it may not be a cause for immediate concern. However, if the numbness becomes more frequent, lasts longer, or is accompanied by other symptoms such as weakness, vision changes, or difficulty speaking, it would be prudent to seek medical evaluation. A neurologist can perform a thorough assessment, including a physical examination and possibly imaging studies, to rule out any underlying conditions.

In summary, while occasional facial numbness can be related to nerve issues, your current symptoms do not seem to indicate a significant problem, especially since your facial movements remain intact. However, it is always wise to monitor your symptoms and consult a healthcare professional if you have any concerns or if your symptoms change. Keeping a record of when these sensations occur, their duration, and any associated activities or stressors can also be helpful for your healthcare provider in making an accurate diagnosis.

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