Facial Numbness: Neurological Concerns or Food Allergy?

Facial issues

Hello Doctor: I would like to ask about experiencing occasional numbness on the left side of my face over the past year.
However, my facial expressions remain unaffected, and the numbness gradually improves within 1-2 hours.
Recently, I have particularly noticed that this numbness occurs more frequently when I eat sushi.
Could this be related to a facial nerve issue, or is it possibly just a food allergy? Should I seek medical attention? Thank you for your response.

Zhang, 30~39 year old female. Ask Date: 2023/01/26

Dr. Jiang Junyi reply Neurology

Dear Ms.
Chang,
You mentioned that "the special observation is that facial numbness occurs particularly when eating sushi." Your symptoms may suggest a dysfunction of the trigeminal nerve.
This condition can sometimes progress to trigeminal neuralgia.
Demyelination of the trigeminal nerve can alter its transmission of sensory signals.
The causes of trigeminal neuralgia are numerous, with approximately 80% attributed to compression of the trigeminal nerve by vascular structures as it exits the brainstem.
Other causes, such as vestibular schwannoma, meningioma, multiple sclerosis, and herpes zoster, can amplify normal sensory signals like touch and temperature into pain signals, leading to the symptoms of trigeminal neuralgia.

I recommend that you consult a neurologist for further discussion and treatment.
Thank you for your inquiry, and feel free to reach out again! Wishing you good health and peace.
Best regards,
Dr.
Jiang Junyi
Department of Neurology, Taoyuan Hospital

Reply Date: 2023/01/26

More Info

Facial numbness can be concerning, and it's important to differentiate between neurological issues and potential food allergies. Based on your description, it seems that you experience intermittent numbness on the left side of your face, particularly after consuming sushi. This raises a few important considerations.

Firstly, the fact that your facial numbness resolves within 1-2 hours and does not affect your facial expressions is a significant detail. This transient nature of the numbness may suggest that it is less likely to be caused by a serious neurological condition, such as a stroke or facial nerve palsy, which typically would present with more persistent symptoms and could affect muscle control. However, it is still essential to consider other neurological conditions that could cause similar symptoms, such as multiple sclerosis or transient ischemic attacks (TIAs), especially if you have other risk factors or symptoms.

On the other hand, the timing of your symptoms in relation to eating sushi could suggest a food-related issue. Sushi often contains various ingredients, including fish, shellfish, and soy products, which can trigger allergic reactions in some individuals. Food allergies can manifest in various ways, including skin reactions, gastrointestinal symptoms, and neurological symptoms such as numbness or tingling. If you notice that the numbness consistently occurs after eating sushi or other specific foods, it may be worthwhile to consider the possibility of a food allergy or intolerance.

In addition to allergies, another potential explanation for your symptoms could be related to histamine intolerance. Certain types of fish, particularly those that are not fresh, can contain high levels of histamine, which may lead to symptoms such as flushing, headaches, and numbness in sensitive individuals.
Given these considerations, it is advisable to consult with a healthcare professional. A thorough evaluation, including a detailed medical history, physical examination, and possibly allergy testing, can help determine the underlying cause of your symptoms. If food allergies are suspected, an allergist can perform tests to identify specific allergens and provide guidance on dietary modifications.

In the meantime, it may be beneficial to keep a food diary to track your symptoms in relation to your diet. Note any other symptoms that accompany the facial numbness, such as itching, swelling, or gastrointestinal issues, as this information can be helpful for your healthcare provider.

In summary, while your symptoms may not immediately suggest a serious neurological issue, it is essential to seek medical advice to rule out any underlying conditions and to explore the possibility of food allergies. Early intervention and proper diagnosis can lead to effective management and relief of your symptoms.

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