Facial Twitches and Slurred Speech After Cold Medication: What to Do?

After taking cold medicine, facial twitching and slurred speech occurred?

Hello Doctor: My brother, who is currently 23 years old and studying at a university in the south, had a severe cough due to a cold about a month ago.
When he returned home for a break, he visited an ENT specialist in Hsinchu and received a week's worth of medication.
After that, he went back to school.
Recently, during this break at home, I noticed that when he speaks, the muscles on both sides of his nose involuntarily twitch, and his speech has become slurred (he describes his tongue as feeling weak and uncoordinated, similar to having chewed gum for a long time).
He can only struggle to shape his mouth to articulate words more clearly.
This situation began after he finished the week-long course of cold medication, and it has been three weeks since he stopped taking the medication, but his condition has not improved.
I would like to ask the doctor about the possible causes and where to start treatment.
Additionally, a friend suggested a brain CT scan.
Is a brain CT scan safe? Or should we first conduct blood or urine tests? Thank you!

Aileen, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2004/05/07

Dr. Ye Boshou reply Neurology

The current condition is unclear; it is recommended to first visit a neurology outpatient clinic for an examination before deciding on the need for further blood tests or imaging studies.

Reply Date: 2004/05/07

More Info

It sounds like your brother is experiencing some concerning symptoms following the use of cold medication. The facial twitches and slurred speech he is experiencing could be indicative of several potential issues, and it’s important to approach this situation with caution.

Firstly, the symptoms of facial twitching and slurred speech can be associated with a variety of conditions, including neurological disorders, medication side effects, or even residual effects from the cold itself. Given that these symptoms began after taking cold medication, it’s crucial to consider whether any of the ingredients in the medication could have contributed to these effects. Some cold medications contain ingredients that can affect the central nervous system, leading to side effects such as drowsiness, dizziness, or muscle control issues.
One possible explanation for your brother's symptoms could be a reaction to a specific ingredient in the cold medication he took. For instance, certain antihistamines can cause sedation and muscle relaxation, which might lead to difficulties in speech and muscle control. Additionally, if the medication contained a decongestant, it could have caused some neurological side effects in sensitive individuals.
Since it has been three weeks since he stopped taking the medication and his symptoms have not improved, it is advisable to seek medical attention. A thorough evaluation by a healthcare professional is necessary to determine the underlying cause of these symptoms. This may include a neurological examination to assess his muscle control and coordination, as well as a review of his medical history and any medications he has taken.

Regarding the suggestion of a brain CT scan, it is generally considered a safe procedure. A CT scan can help rule out any structural abnormalities in the brain that could be causing these symptoms. However, it is often best to start with less invasive tests, such as blood tests or urine tests, to check for any metabolic or systemic issues that could be contributing to his condition. These tests can provide valuable information about his overall health and help guide further diagnostic steps.

In addition to imaging studies, a referral to a neurologist may be warranted. A neurologist specializes in disorders of the nervous system and can provide a more in-depth evaluation of his symptoms. They may recommend additional tests, such as an MRI or EEG, depending on their findings.

In the meantime, it is essential for your brother to avoid any medications that could exacerbate his symptoms and to maintain a healthy lifestyle, including proper hydration and nutrition. Encourage him to rest and avoid stressors that could worsen his condition.

In summary, your brother's symptoms warrant a thorough medical evaluation to determine the cause and appropriate treatment. While a brain CT scan is a safe option, starting with blood tests and a consultation with a neurologist may provide a clearer path forward. It’s crucial to address these symptoms promptly to ensure his health and well-being.

Similar Q&A

Sudden Loss of Voice After Cold: Causes and Remedies

Hello Doctor: I started experiencing cold symptoms last Tuesday (March 12) including fever, runny nose, sore throat, nasopharyngeal inflammation, cough, and phlegm. Yesterday, due to persistent coughing, I took cough syrup containing codeine phosphate three times. Currently, I ha...

Dr. Zheng Jueyi reply Otolaryngology
Hello, a common cause of sudden loss of voice is related to edema of the vocal cords or surrounding tissues. Oral corticosteroids can be taken, and symptoms usually improve gradually within a week. This condition is not related to cough syrup. It is recommended to drink plenty of...

Understanding Facial Nerve Issues: Symptoms, Treatments, and Recovery Time

Hello Dr. Lai, around March 4th, my eyelid started twitching, and the next day I felt something strange with my eye and noticed that my mouth was slightly drooping. After seeing a doctor, I was informed that it was a viral infection, and I was prescribed corticosteroids. However,...

Dr. Lai Lunxiang reply Neurology
Based on your description, you may have peripheral facial nerve paralysis. Corticosteroids should be administered, and after one week, circulation-promoting medications along with rehabilitation therapy (such as acupuncture, electrical stimulation, or chewing gum) should be utili...

Understanding EPS Symptoms After Gastroenteritis Treatment: A Neurology Perspective

Last week, after taking antiemetics for gastroenteritis, I experienced extrapyramidal symptoms (EPS). It started with my teeth chattering, followed by sudden jaw deviation. I immediately went to the emergency room for an injection, which corrected the jaw misalignment. However, t...

Dr. Jiang Junyi reply Neurology
Hello Mr. Chen: You mentioned, "Last night before bed, I took a muscle relaxant and my muscles started twitching involuntarily." Generally speaking, symptoms of extrapyramidal syndrome (EPS) caused by medication typically improve within three days after discontinuation....

Understanding Speech Disruptions: Allergies, Medications, and Throat Issues

Hello Doctor, I have had allergies and asthma since childhood. I have been suffering from nasal congestion caused by allergies for several years. Before the Lunar New Year, I possibly caught a cold and experienced a sore throat and very itchy ears. I couldn't stand it anymor...

Dr. Cai Zhenggu reply Otolaryngology
Hello Miss Belle: Based on your description, your condition is due to nasal congestion leading to mouth breathing, which causes chronic pharyngitis, resulting in frequent coughing. I recommend that you first address the nasal congestion issue and then breathe through your nose; t...