What Causes Droopy Right Eye With Numbness And Swelling?

Posted on Thu, 30 Aug 2018

Question: I have noticed a droopy right eye in the last 30 minutes and numbness and swelling like I have gotten a dental procedure done around the right side of my mouth. I've been having allergic reactions in the last year but nothing since to serious since early December. Throughout a period between August 24th and early November I had 9 cases of hives. 4 times it manifested in my mouth area the rest in various places around my torso and on limbs close by. I was tested my reactions to blood work and surface testing were minimal, so he said the only thing he could think of was an allergy to sulfites. I don't think have eaten anything that might have any in them unless certain seasonings or XXXXXXX spaghetti sauce contain them. All other food was not processed.
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Answered by Dr. Mahaveer Patil (40 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
due to dental procedure

Detailed Answer:
Hi,

Thank you for posting the question.
I have gone through your medical history in detail.

Droopy right eye with numbness and swelling can occur due to the dental procedure.

The injection that is usually injected before the dental procedure (local anesthetic) causes numbness of the surrounding nerves as well.

Such effect is usually temporary and often occurs when the doctor infuses excess amount of injection locally.

Drink plenty of water and take anti inflammatory tablets like ibuprofen,paracetamol.

Fibrinolytic enzymes like trypsin/chymotrypsin will help reduce the numbness faster.

Methylcobalamin and folic acid tablets will have a beneficial effect.

If the symptoms do not improve,you should consult your doctor immediately.

You need not worry as long as you do not have any vision problems.

I hope the answer was useful.

Feel free to ask me any follow up queries that you may have.

Thank you.
Kind regards.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Kampana

Follow up: Dr. Mahaveer Patil (22 hours later)

I have to tell you that I am very disappointed in your reply to me.

If you look closely at what I wrote I said "It feels LIKE I just had a dental procedure" not I just had a dental procedure. So, that means I am well aware of the after effects of novacaine or what ever they use now for anesthesia.

Your answer is very patronizing. Apparently, you are assuming that I am stupid and wouldn't know the reason I am having this reaction had I just gone to a dentist. I was asking because it was weird thing that happened all of the sudden. I also gave you my allergy history if you hadn't noticed. It turns out I was just having another allergic reaction because I took antihistamines and it went away.

Answered by Dr. Mahaveer Patil (36 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Allergic inflammatory reaction

Detailed Answer:
Hi,

I am extremely sorry for the misinterpretation there.

These symptoms do seem to be of allergic origin because such sudden onset swelling numbness are highly indicative of allergy.

Another reason could be sudden onset neuritis.The subcutaneous nerves surrounding the eye could get inflammed leading to swelling and numbness around the eye.

Anti-histaminics,folic acid and methylcobalamin tablets along with Anti inflammatory medicines would certainly help.

Do let me know if you have any further queries related to this question.

Take care,
Dr. Mahaveer Patil

Note: For further follow-up it is advisable to consult an emergency medicine specialist. Click here.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Kampana