Understanding Facial Nerve Paralysis: Signs of Recovery Explained
Facial nerve paralysis Hello Doctor: On December 16, I experienced twitching in my right lower eyelid and the corner of my mouth. My facial nerve paralysis began on December 17, resulting in an inability to furrow my brow, leakage while drinking, and an inability to close my righ...
Dr. Jiang Junyi Reply:
Hello, based on your description, there are many causes of facial nerve paralysis, with Bell's palsy being the most common. The onset of the condition is usually rapid, with the degree of facial nerve paralysis reaching its peak within two days. Prior to the onset, patients ...[Read More] Understanding Facial Nerve Paralysis: Signs of Recovery Explained
Understanding Long-Term Left-Sided Facial and Scalp Numbness Symptoms
Long-term numbness on the left side of the face and scalp? A patient with polio has been sitting for long periods. (1) The left side of the face experiences intermittent numbness, particularly in the cheek and scalp, with symptoms persisting for two to three years. The numbness d...
Dr. Gao Chunde Reply:
The sensation in the left forehead and left cheek is associated with the left trigeminal nerve pathway, while the ptosis of the left eye and the weakness in the movement of the left side of the face are related to the left facial nerve pathway. These two issues indicate a lesion ...[Read More] Understanding Long-Term Left-Sided Facial and Scalp Numbness Symptoms
Understanding Facial Nerve Twitches: Causes and Treatment Options
Facial nerve twitching Hello, about a month to two months ago, I started experiencing twitching in the left cheek near the corner of my mouth whenever I blink naturally. This never happened before. Is there a way to treat this? Thank you.
Dr. Lan Shengxing Reply:
Dear Zoo Miss, currently, I cannot tell you what disease this is because I have not seen you. Moreover, the synergistic effects of treating facial muscles may occur after facial nerve paralysis, and there could be other diseases causing this phenomenon. However, this requires mor...[Read More] Understanding Facial Nerve Twitches: Causes and Treatment Options
Can I Get Eyelid Surgery After Facial Nerve Issues?
Facial nerve palsy Hello, about five years ago, I experienced symptoms of facial nerve palsy on the right side of my face. However, it recovered in about a month. Now, when I close my right eye, the corner of my mouth gets pulled, and when I pucker my lips, the right eye bag also...
Dr. Lan Shengxing Reply:
Dear Jenny, this type of synergistic effect often occurs after nerve damage, where the newly regenerated nerves branch from a remaining nerve that originally innervated a small area of movement. Now, it has changed to innervate a larger area of movement, which can lead to uninten...[Read More] Can I Get Eyelid Surgery After Facial Nerve Issues?
Should I Seek a Second Opinion for My Facial Nerve Paralysis?
Should I go for a follow-up appointment? Hello, doctor. I have recently been diagnosed with facial nerve paralysis. I have already seen a doctor who said it resembles a cold and that it will take two to three weeks to recover. They also prescribed me steroids. A colleague at work...
Dr. Lan Shengxing Reply:
Dear YuYu, facial nerve paralysis is basically not a serious condition, so there is no need to be overly anxious about it. The use of corticosteroids and medications that promote nerve regeneration may not show significant effects in the first week. At this stage, the medication ...[Read More] Should I Seek a Second Opinion for My Facial Nerve Paralysis?
Could It Be Facial Nerve Dysfunction? Understanding Symptoms and Solutions
Could it be facial nerve dysfunction? Hello Doctor, a couple of days ago I noticed that one side of my face feels like it has been affected by a muscle relaxant, and I can't use it at all. My right eye cannot fully close, and my lips suddenly droop to one side (but this does...
Dr. Lan Shengxing Reply:
Dear YuYu, the symptoms you described are indicative of Bell's palsy, which is caused by a viral infection affecting the facial nerve. Please seek treatment at a neurology outpatient clinic as soon as possible.[Read More] Could It Be Facial Nerve Dysfunction? Understanding Symptoms and Solutions
Understanding Left Shoulder Blade Numbness and Facial Asymmetry
Numbness in the left shoulder blade? Hello, doctor. I have been experiencing occasional numbness near my left scapula close to the armpit, and it can even be painful when pressed. This symptom has persisted for over a year. I would like to know if I need to go to the hospital. Al...
Dr. Lan Shengxing Reply:
Hello Rick, the issue with your left scapula may be related to an old injury causing nerve regeneration entrapment, or there could be other lesions causing compression, depending on your past medical history and whether your current symptoms have progressed. If the symptoms are w...[Read More] Understanding Left Shoulder Blade Numbness and Facial Asymmetry
Persistent Left Eye Twitching: Causes and Solutions Explained
The lower left eyelid is twitching continuously? The lower eyelid of my left eye has been twitching slightly for a week. I initially thought it was due to lack of sleep, but even after getting more rest in the past few days, the twitching hasn't stopped. Could you please tel...
Dr. Gao Chunde Reply:
This is a common temporary phenomenon among office workers, often occurring during periods of high workload and stress, typically resolving after a busy period, usually within one to two weeks. If the above situations do not apply, sometimes the consumption of stimulants such as ...[Read More] Persistent Left Eye Twitching: Causes and Solutions Explained
Understanding Facial Nerve Issues: Diagnosis and Treatment Options
Continued inquiry: Involuntary twitching of the left cheek? Dear Dr. Gao, I consulted with a neurologist in the United States, who prescribed me Lyrica 50mg. However, I feel it only addresses the symptoms and not the root cause. Additionally, I found that the side effects are si...
Dr. Gao Chunde Reply:
If there is no muscle weakness (such as facial asymmetry or muscle atrophy), the primary approach to treatment is conservative management. There is no need for specific interventions like electromyography (EMG) or surgery (which would cause further damage), as it is merely a peri...[Read More] Understanding Facial Nerve Issues: Diagnosis and Treatment Options
Understanding Uncontrolled Facial Muscle Movements: Causes and Treatments
Continued inquiry: Involuntary twitching of the left cheek? Dear Dr. Gao, Thank you very much for your response. My cheeks appear completely normal, they move naturally, and there is no asymmetry or atrophy. If the issue is due to some irritation of the tissues surrounding the n...
Dr. Gao Chunde Reply:
You may first consider local massage to relax the nerves and muscles, or supplement with some B vitamins. Some physicians may prescribe medications to calm the nerves and relax the muscles. If the symptoms persist or if there are new changes, it is advisable to consult a neurolog...[Read More] Understanding Uncontrolled Facial Muscle Movements: Causes and Treatments
Understanding Facial Myokymia: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment Options
Continued inquiry: Involuntary twitching of the left cheek? Dear Dr. Gao, Thank you very much for your response. If the second reason is correct, that the facial nerve was injured due to the cosmetic surgery and subsequent impact, could my symptoms be due to abnormal adhesions b...
Dr. Gao Chunde Reply:
If there is damage to the facial nerve, which primarily consists of motor fibers that control facial muscle movements, it will inevitably lead to related functional impairments. One can self-assess whether facial expressions appear unnatural (indicating weakness in certain facial...[Read More] Understanding Facial Myokymia: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment Options
Uncontrollable Facial Twitches After Cosmetic Surgery: Causes and Solutions
Involuntary twitching of the left cheek? Two years ago, I underwent cosmetic surgery to elevate my cheeks. (Below are the surgical details provided by my doctor.) After the surgery, my cheeks were quite swollen, and before the swelling subsided, my left cheek was accidentally bum...
Dr. Gao Chunde Reply:
Based on the symptom description, it is more akin to facial myokymia, which refers to involuntary muscle twitching of the facial muscles. This can range from benign nerve hyperexcitability (such as eyelid twitching) to involuntary discharges due to facial nerve damage, and to spe...[Read More] Uncontrollable Facial Twitches After Cosmetic Surgery: Causes and Solutions
Understanding Facial Nerve Issues: Symptoms and Recovery Insights
Facial nerve issues Hello, Dr. Gao. Earlier this year, I experienced facial nerve paralysis on the right side of my face due to an unknown viral infection. After medication and rehabilitation, I have mostly recovered. However, last month I noticed that when I blink my right eye, ...
Dr. Gao Chunde Reply:
This is a complication following facial nerve paralysis, where the muscles of the ossicles in the middle ear, innervated by the facial nerve, become paralyzed and weak. This leads to a diminished ability to adjust to external sounds. Whenever there is loud external noise or when ...[Read More] Understanding Facial Nerve Issues: Symptoms and Recovery Insights
Why Does My Scalp and Cheek Feel Numb After Sleeping?
Numbness in the scalp at the back of the head? Hello Doctor: I took a nap on the sofa in the living room this afternoon (with my head resting on the armrest, which was somewhat hard), and when I woke up, I felt a tingling sensation in my scalp at the back of my head and in my che...
Dr. Gao Chunde Reply:
Pressure on the nerves in the back of the head can be explained, but it's not as easy for the cheeks because the facial nerves are the trigeminal nerves, which emerge from the foramina of the upper jaw, maxilla, and mandible. Pressure must be applied to the nerves after they...[Read More] Why Does My Scalp and Cheek Feel Numb After Sleeping?
Facial Numbness and Inability to Close Eye: Possible Neurological Issues?
Facial numbness and inability to close the eyelids? Hello Doctor: My right side of the face, mouth, and tongue feel numb, and when I smile, the mouth on that side becomes stiff. The right side of my mouth appears slightly droopy, and I cannot fully close my right eye, which revea...
Dr. Lan Shengxing Reply:
Dear Stacy: This condition may be related to a previous facial nerve issue on the right side of your face. Please visit the neurology outpatient clinic for evaluation and treatment.[Read More] Facial Numbness and Inability to Close Eye: Possible Neurological Issues?
Why Does My Ear Tingle When Lying Flat? Possible Causes and Solutions
Experiencing numbness in the ear while lying flat? Hello, I have a question. When I sleep on my back, my right ear experiences persistent numbness, to the point that I have to sleep on my right side for it to stop. If I sleep on my left side, my right ear still feels numb. This i...
Dr. Gao Chunde Reply:
I must honestly say that this symptom is the first time I have encountered in my over ten years of practice. I can only provide answers based on my understanding of neurophysiology and other related clinical experiences. Consider the possibility of circulatory issues; lying flat ...[Read More] Why Does My Ear Tingle When Lying Flat? Possible Causes and Solutions
Facial Movements Causing Ear Sounds: A Post-Facial Nerve Paralysis Concern
Facial movements cause a humming sound in the left ear? I experienced facial nerve paralysis over a month ago (on the left side of my face and I am currently in the recovery phase). I am almost fully recovered, but whenever I perform facial movements that require effort, I hear a...
Dr. Lan Shengxing Reply:
Dear Ken, the symptoms you described may be a result of the nerve recovery process. However, it is still advisable for you to visit an otolaryngologist to ensure that this is not related to an ear condition, for your peace of mind.[Read More] Facial Movements Causing Ear Sounds: A Post-Facial Nerve Paralysis Concern
Persistent Headaches: When Pain Medications Fail to Provide Relief
If taking medication for headaches does not improve the symptoms, it is important to consult a healthcare professional for further evaluation and management? Hello Doctor: I have been experiencing persistent headaches lately. The pain subsides when I sleep, but as soon as I wake ...
Dr. Gao Chunde Reply:
In general, if a typical migraine improves after taking the medications you mentioned, it should be nearly resolved. If there is no improvement, one possibility is that it is a status migrainosus, which requires stronger injectable medications for ongoing treatment. Another consi...[Read More] Persistent Headaches: When Pain Medications Fail to Provide Relief
Understanding Unilateral Facial Numbness: Stroke or Nerve Issues?
Unilateral facial numbness? Hello. My mother has recently experienced occasional scalp tingling. Yesterday, she suddenly felt tingling on the right side of her face, but it didn't last long. Could this be a sign of a stroke or a facial nerve issue? Also, would a head X-ray b...
Dr. Huang Yingzhe Reply:
Dear Dr. Huang Ying-Che from the Neurology Department of Tainan Hospital, Ministry of Health and Welfare: Hello, Numbness in the scalp and face may indicate different neurological responses, as numbness is a subjective sensation and it is not appropriate to make a judgment with...[Read More] Understanding Unilateral Facial Numbness: Stroke or Nerve Issues?
Understanding 'Heartbone Pain' in Elderly: Causes and Concerns
Chest pain in the elderly? Recently, my father often complains of "heart bone pain." When it occurs, the pain is very intense but usually subsides within three to five minutes. Applying some menthol balm can help alleviate the pain. Occasionally, it can happen consecuti...
Dr. Lan Shengxing Reply:
Dear Amanda, chest pain may not only be related to heart issues; gastrointestinal problems, intercostal nerve irritation, and other factors could also contribute. It is important to consider the timing of the pain in relation to lifestyle changes, exercise, and other factors. Esp...[Read More] Understanding 'Heartbone Pain' in Elderly: Causes and Concerns