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What Causes Numbness On Left Side Of Face?

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Posted on Wed, 23 Jul 2014
Question: I woke up 3 wks ago with complete numbness on the left side of my face. I went to the ER where they did a CT Scan and check for a stroke. They advised because I had control of my muscles on that side and the CT scan was clear there was no sign of a stroke. my issue is that I still suffer from numbness on the left side of my face, tongue, chin, and I am even finding myself in pain especially along the jaw line and cheek bone. And yet it has been almost a month. Should I go back to the ER? They advised it sounds like Bells Palsy but never gave me instructions, advised of possible pain, or heeling time expectations. I am beginning to fear I will never be normal again. Please help
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Answered by Dr. Sudhir (2 hours later)
Brief Answer:
MRI is ideal investigation for this.

Detailed Answer:
Hello,

CT may not pick up small strokes or even facial nerve related things.This happens quite often that CT is normal and MRI picks up findings in cases of minor stroke.

I would suggest you two things.

First get a MRI done.MRI will help if there is small infarct(stroke), blood vessels pressing on facial nerve , a small lesion pressing on nerve and even sometimes facial nerve palsy can be diagnosed.

If MRI shows nothing then you can stick to diagnosis of Bell's palsy.And in that case you will need to see neurologist.

Hope this helps.Regards.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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Dr. Sudhir

Internal Medicine Specialist

Practicing since :2000

Answered : 1415 Questions

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What Causes Numbness On Left Side Of Face?

Brief Answer: MRI is ideal investigation for this. Detailed Answer: Hello, CT may not pick up small strokes or even facial nerve related things.This happens quite often that CT is normal and MRI picks up findings in cases of minor stroke. I would suggest you two things. First get a MRI done.MRI will help if there is small infarct(stroke), blood vessels pressing on facial nerve , a small lesion pressing on nerve and even sometimes facial nerve palsy can be diagnosed. If MRI shows nothing then you can stick to diagnosis of Bell's palsy.And in that case you will need to see neurologist. Hope this helps.Regards.