What Causes Facial Pain On Left Side With A History Of Sinus Infection?

Posted on Fri, 10 Jun 2016

Question: I have over time developed a lot of facial pain. My face now feels numb in several places on the left side of my face. The pain is like a pinched nerve pain. Often aching and other times a stinging pain. I had a lot of dental work done so at first thought it was related to that but now much of my left side is affected. I am going to see a ENT Dr. Monday. My dentist wants me to see a neurologist but we don't have one in 200 miles.
The ENT said I had a dry sinus infection, the facial trouble would probably go away. The TMJ had affected my facial nerves. Now my BS is off. two mornings in a row it has dropped. I had insulinoma and when I am having health issues it kicks in. Two years ago my BS showed normal but all the symptoms were like I was hypoglcemic again. I understand thyroid problems ca affect that. what can I do? We have no Thryoid specialist here.

Answered by Dr. Shehzad Topiwala (29 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Hormone tests

Detailed Answer:
Sorry to note your troublesome symptoms.

1 It is important to rule out a condition called Trigeminal Neuralgia. This causes facial pain too.

As you have been already advised, a neurologist is best qualified to make this diagnosis accurately.

2 Regarding blood glucose levels, the next time you feel like you are having an episode, try to get your fingerstick sugar levels checked at that time using a glucose monitor. If that reading is below 70, it is of concern and would require thorough investigation

3 The thyroid ought to be checked too. A simple blood test like TSH is helpful

When I see someone like you in my practice, I typically order the following blood tests in addition to a detailed physical examination:

CBC (Complete Blood Count, also known as Hemogram; includes Hemoglobin, WBC and Platelet counts)
Electrolytes (Sodium and Potassium in particular)
HbA1c (Glycosylated Hemoglobin = your 3 month glucose average)
Liver function tests (SGOT , SGPT, Albumin, Bilirubin, Alkaline Phosphatase)
Kidney function tests (BUN, Creatinine)
TSH
Free T4
25 hydroxy Vitamin D

None of these tests require any fasting and can be done at any time of the day

Note: For more information on hormonal imbalance symptoms or unmanaged diabetes with other comorbid conditions, get back to us & Consult with an Endocrinologist. Click here to book an appointment.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar