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What Causes Pins And Needles In Jaw And Lower Lip?
Question: I have been having pins and needles in my jaw and lower lip. I have also been tired a lot. I do suffer with SLE. Could you please tell me what it could be. I also suffer with 'migrane' type headaces. My doctor cannot find the cause of this.
Brief Answer:
Read below
Detailed Answer:
I read your question carefully and I understand your concern.
If your symptoms are limited to the lower jaw and lip and on both sides then it is unlikely that it is related to a brain or cranial nerve issue. That is because such lesions when present cause symptoms involving one a whole half of the face, not both sides at the same time. Lupus is associated with an increased risk for neurologic lesions, can be associated with stroke, headache, cognitive changes, so if the migraine headaches are only a recent phenomenon they should be evaluated with a MRI, but as I said numbness, pins and needles on only one lip, are not their presentation.
One possible cause could be related to teeth or jaw issues, such as cysts, dental infections, mandibular metastases etc, issues which can compress the peripheral nerve supplying the chin and lower lip, called the mental nerve, causing numbness of the chin and lower lip. So if the symptoms are limited to the chin and lower lip a dental evaluation is advised.
Another possible cause, quite common, might also be stress and anxiety which can manifest in many ways, at times with such abnormal sensations of the lip. Chronic conditions like lupus are often associated with depression and anxiety. Also as it affects many body systems could justify the tiredness, so depending on when did you have your last check up for renal, cardiovascular, lung involvement that must be considered as a possible cause for your tiredness.
If there are any other symptoms you wish to discuss I remain at your disposal for further questions.
Read below
Detailed Answer:
I read your question carefully and I understand your concern.
If your symptoms are limited to the lower jaw and lip and on both sides then it is unlikely that it is related to a brain or cranial nerve issue. That is because such lesions when present cause symptoms involving one a whole half of the face, not both sides at the same time. Lupus is associated with an increased risk for neurologic lesions, can be associated with stroke, headache, cognitive changes, so if the migraine headaches are only a recent phenomenon they should be evaluated with a MRI, but as I said numbness, pins and needles on only one lip, are not their presentation.
One possible cause could be related to teeth or jaw issues, such as cysts, dental infections, mandibular metastases etc, issues which can compress the peripheral nerve supplying the chin and lower lip, called the mental nerve, causing numbness of the chin and lower lip. So if the symptoms are limited to the chin and lower lip a dental evaluation is advised.
Another possible cause, quite common, might also be stress and anxiety which can manifest in many ways, at times with such abnormal sensations of the lip. Chronic conditions like lupus are often associated with depression and anxiety. Also as it affects many body systems could justify the tiredness, so depending on when did you have your last check up for renal, cardiovascular, lung involvement that must be considered as a possible cause for your tiredness.
If there are any other symptoms you wish to discuss I remain at your disposal for further questions.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Answered by
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