Unexpected Facial Symptoms: Neurological Concerns at 21

At first, I only felt tightness in my nasal tip, but then..?

Yesterday at noon, I felt tightness in my nose.
My facial expression seemed a bit strange while talking, as I was furrowing my brow.
Last night, I only managed to sleep for about two hours in total because I had three exams today.
This morning, I started experiencing unusual facial symptoms.
Specifically, I can control my lower lip, but my upper lip keeps lifting on its own, and my entire face appears to be wrinkled.
When I consciously try to lower my upper lip, it stubbornly stays elevated, exposing my upper gums and teeth, and my face remains wrinkled.
When I manage to lower it, it just wrinkles up again.
I initially thought it might be stress (though I didn't consciously feel stressed), and now that the exams are over, I feel like I did fairly well.
However, my facial tightness and the repeated lifting of my lip continue.
I'm unsure what's happening to me.
Additionally, I often experience numbness in my hands and feet (sometimes my hands become suddenly numb and immobile), and I am 20 kilograms overweight.
Am I at risk of having a stroke? I'm only 21 years old.
Thank you for reading my lengthy description.
I appreciate it.
Wishing you safety and well-being.

grazs, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2004/05/24

Dr. Lai Lunxiang reply Neurology

Based on your description, I personally believe you have an anxiety disorder, not a stroke.
Please seek treatment from a psychiatrist.

Reply Date: 2004/05/24

More Info

The symptoms you are experiencing, such as involuntary movements of the upper lip and facial wrinkling, can be concerning and may indicate a neurological issue. Given your age and the nature of your symptoms, it is essential to consider several potential causes, including stress-related disorders, neurological conditions, or even anxiety.

Firstly, the involuntary movement of your upper lip could be a form of facial dystonia, which is a neurological condition characterized by involuntary muscle contractions that cause repetitive or twisting movements. This can sometimes be triggered by stress or fatigue, as you mentioned having limited sleep before your symptoms began. Stress can lead to muscle tension and exacerbate any underlying neurological conditions.
Additionally, the sensation of your body feeling "heavy" or experiencing numbness in your hands and feet could be related to anxiety or panic attacks, which can manifest physically in various ways. Hyperventilation, for instance, can lead to a decrease in carbon dioxide levels in the blood, causing symptoms like tingling, numbness, and even muscle spasms.
It's also important to consider the possibility of other neurological issues, such as Bell's palsy or even more serious conditions like transient ischemic attacks (TIAs) or strokes, although these are less common in younger individuals. Given your concerns about potential stroke symptoms, such as sudden numbness or weakness, it is crucial to seek immediate medical attention if you experience any acute changes in your health.

To address your concerns effectively, I recommend the following steps:
1. Consult a Neurologist: Given the complexity of your symptoms, a thorough evaluation by a neurologist is essential. They can perform a physical examination, assess your neurological function, and possibly order imaging studies like an MRI or CT scan to rule out any serious conditions.

2. Manage Stress and Anxiety: Since stress can exacerbate neurological symptoms, consider incorporating stress management techniques into your routine. Practices such as mindfulness, meditation, yoga, or even regular physical exercise can help alleviate anxiety and improve overall well-being.

3. Sleep Hygiene: Prioritize getting adequate sleep, as sleep deprivation can significantly impact your neurological health and exacerbate symptoms. Establish a regular sleep schedule and create a restful environment to improve your sleep quality.

4. Monitor Symptoms: Keep a detailed record of your symptoms, including when they occur, their duration, and any potential triggers. This information can be invaluable for your healthcare provider in diagnosing and managing your condition.

5. Lifestyle Modifications: Consider making lifestyle changes to support your overall health. This includes maintaining a balanced diet, staying hydrated, and engaging in regular physical activity, which can help manage weight and improve circulation.

In conclusion, while your symptoms may be related to stress or anxiety, it is critical to rule out any underlying neurological conditions. Seeking professional medical advice is the best course of action to ensure your health and peace of mind. Remember, early intervention can lead to better outcomes, so do not hesitate to reach out to a healthcare provider.

Similar Q&A

Understanding Facial Symptoms in Teens: A Guide for Concerned Parents

Dear Doctor, My daughter is in the second year of junior high school and has excellent grades. This week, my younger daughter noticed that when my older daughter smiles, her mouth is crooked (only one side smiles, with the right side appearing more rigid). She has been experienc...

Dr. Ye Boshou reply Neurology
Hello: It resembles Bell's palsy, but further examination is needed. Please see a physician (neurologist) as soon as possible. In cases of isolated Bell's palsy, the chances of complete recovery are very high, so there is no need to worry.

Understanding Facial Nerve Disorders: Signs and Symptoms Explained

Hello doctor, about two weeks ago in the morning, I suddenly noticed that the right side of my face was uncontrollable while I was brushing my teeth. I couldn't close my mouth tightly while rinsing, and when I smiled, the corner of my mouth on the right side couldn't li...

Dr. Ye Boshou reply Neurology
It sounds like facial nerve paralysis; whether it is a stroke should be confirmed by a visit to a neurologist. However, the likelihood of a stroke at the age of 22 is very low. Facial nerve paralysis should also be treated as soon as possible.

Understanding Facial Nerve Issues: Symptoms, Causes, and Solutions

Hello Dr. Yeh, I have a friend who is also 32 years old, and she recently mentioned that her facial expressions have become somewhat stiff, and she occasionally experiences slight involuntary muscle twitches on the left side of her face. I suspect it might be due to high stress,...

Dr. Ye Boshou reply Neurology
If the aforementioned symptoms have begun to affect your daily life and those around you, a possible solution may involve taking some anxiolytics when necessary.

Understanding Neurological Issues: Seeking Help for Unexplained Symptoms

I have a seemingly absurd but actually serious question, and I hope to get an answer here. (I once asked a doctor, but was treated like I was crazy.) In high school, I had pseudo-myopia but did not want to become myopic. My mother happened to have bought traditional Chinese medic...

Dr. Zhuang Yumin reply Neurology
Dear Yu: Your question is indeed difficult to answer. Whether the issue with traditional Chinese medicine is related to your symptoms cannot be determined without immediate testing. If you are simply troubled by chronic headaches, objective examinations such as an electroencephal...