What Causes Excessive Tearing Of Eyes And Facial Numbness After Taking Cefuroxime?
Question: Hello, I'm ending a course of antibiotics prescribed for a middle ear infection and strep throat. Along the way, the right side of my face has become numb. Right eye tear duct is producing tears, lips are numb as if I had been given novocaine, hard to squint close my right eye. Could this be a side effect of the cefuroxime?
Brief Answer:
Bell's Palsy
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
It sounds like you have developed Bell's palsy. That is an inflammation of the facial nerve. You should see your doctor because a course of steroids is often helpful in this illness. The good news is that in time Bell's palsy usually resolves and your face will go back to normal. This is not an effect of the cefuroxime but is could be due to the same virus that was causing problems in your ear.
Here is a site where you can read more about Bell's Palsy.
http://www.uptodate.com/contents/bells-palsy-beyond-the-basics?source=search_result&search=bell%27s+palsy&selectedTitle=2~50
I suggest that you see your doctor as soon as possible
Regards,
Dr. Robinson
Bell's Palsy
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
It sounds like you have developed Bell's palsy. That is an inflammation of the facial nerve. You should see your doctor because a course of steroids is often helpful in this illness. The good news is that in time Bell's palsy usually resolves and your face will go back to normal. This is not an effect of the cefuroxime but is could be due to the same virus that was causing problems in your ear.
Here is a site where you can read more about Bell's Palsy.
http://www.uptodate.com/contents/bells-palsy-beyond-the-basics?source=search_result&search=bell%27s+palsy&selectedTitle=2~50
I suggest that you see your doctor as soon as possible
Regards,
Dr. Robinson
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Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar