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What Causes Dizziness, Metallic Taste In The Mouth And Unilateral Facial Numbness?

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Posted on Wed, 25 Jan 2017
Question: I have been experiencing dizzy spells, numbness and tingling in the left side of my mouth, and a funny metallic taste in my mouth. The dizzy spells are infrequent and the numbness and tingling comes and goes but the funny taste is constant.

The numbness and tingling is on the left side of my mouth only.
doctor
Answered by Dr. Nsah Bernard (4 hours later)
Brief Answer:
It may not be of great concern

Detailed Answer:
Dear XXXX,

Thank you for posting your query through this medium and I am pleased to be able to assist you. The metallic taste in your mouth is a symptom known as parageusia which usually is not problematic or may not have a readily identifiable cause. Nonetheless, I understand your concern and you are justified to be worried about any new development in your body given your age. Why this symptom cannot particularly be associated with any specific disease, it can, however, be observed when your taste buds experience an abnormally/disorder, suffering from zinc deficiency, using drugs, suffering from gastric reflux or some other metabolic disease. While having these in mind, it will also be important to relate these with the other seemingly insignificant symptoms as mentioned in your post which could suggest at first glance NOTHING but still it is important to rule out a transient ischemic attack. I will suggest that you can, you should pay a visit to a doctor who can initiate some few screening tests (after complete physical exams) such as fasting blood glucose, full blood count and other necessary tests. This so we could have a more satisfactory picture of your situation and comfortably reassure you. As of now, exercise regularly, take healthy and balanced diet, avoid stress, engage in happy activities and try as much as possible to live a fulfilling life by worrying less about your health. Hope this helps and wish you the best.
Dr. Nsah
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Prasad
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Nsah Bernard (16 minutes later)
But it is more than a bad taste, it is also numbness and tingling in my left side of my mouth and lip, and intermittently my tongue. It kind of feels like I have had Novocaine injected.
doctor
Answered by Dr. Nsah Bernard (8 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
Can you look at the mirror and see if any bending/twisting of lips too

Detailed Answer:
Hello,

Can you try to see if there is any bending of lips using your mirror or ask someone to check for you? If that be the case then we may be dealing with a bell's palsy or transient ischemic attack (TIA). A viral infection can be responsible for the bell's palsy (sensation of paralysis or paresthesia of one side of the mouth). This could explain the metallic taste of the mouth as the nerve supply to that side is probably altered. I now feel you may need to visit a doctor given the description you have provided. If it is a gradual onset of stroke, it is better you get early assessment then treatment then wait until anything happens. I suggest you see a neurologist soonest.

Regards
Dr. Nsah
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Prasad
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Nsah Bernard (6 days later)
I did check to see if my face was symmetrical when i smiled it is. I have a dr's appointment Wednesday.
Thank you,
XXXX
doctor
Answered by Dr. Nsah Bernard (0 minute later)
Brief Answer:
If symmetrical then you require further medical evaluation

Detailed Answer:
Hello XXXX,

Thanks for the feedback. It will be difficult for me to be able to actually assist you with a proper answer to what may be disturbing you without doing a close up medical examination. So I fully support your decision to see a doctor in this scenario. A neurologist will also give you additional input if there is no conclusive statement from your doctor.

Wish you the best and hope you feel much better in the nearest future.

Dr. Nsah
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Arnab Banerjee
doctor
Answered by
Dr.
Dr. Nsah Bernard

General & Family Physician

Practicing since :2012

Answered : 1704 Questions

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What Causes Dizziness, Metallic Taste In The Mouth And Unilateral Facial Numbness?

Brief Answer: It may not be of great concern Detailed Answer: Dear XXXX, Thank you for posting your query through this medium and I am pleased to be able to assist you. The metallic taste in your mouth is a symptom known as parageusia which usually is not problematic or may not have a readily identifiable cause. Nonetheless, I understand your concern and you are justified to be worried about any new development in your body given your age. Why this symptom cannot particularly be associated with any specific disease, it can, however, be observed when your taste buds experience an abnormally/disorder, suffering from zinc deficiency, using drugs, suffering from gastric reflux or some other metabolic disease. While having these in mind, it will also be important to relate these with the other seemingly insignificant symptoms as mentioned in your post which could suggest at first glance NOTHING but still it is important to rule out a transient ischemic attack. I will suggest that you can, you should pay a visit to a doctor who can initiate some few screening tests (after complete physical exams) such as fasting blood glucose, full blood count and other necessary tests. This so we could have a more satisfactory picture of your situation and comfortably reassure you. As of now, exercise regularly, take healthy and balanced diet, avoid stress, engage in happy activities and try as much as possible to live a fulfilling life by worrying less about your health. Hope this helps and wish you the best. Dr. Nsah