The numbness may affect part of the face or all of the face.
Even certain medications can cause a loss of sensation in the face.
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When to Seek Emergency Care
Facial numbness is never something to ignore.
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Other symptoms include nausea, vomiting, dizziness, and light or sound sensitivity.
There are many types and subtypes of migraine.
This may be accompanied by changes in vision or speech.
Allergies
Facial numbness can be a sign of a jot down of allergy calledallergic contact dermatitis.
The swelling is most common around the eyes and face.
Removing the offending agent is the main form of treatment, buttopical steroidscan help ease symptoms faster.
One of the first manifestations of MS isoptic neuritiscaused bydemyelinationof theoptic nerve(cranial nerve 2).
The cause of MS is unknown.
Symptoms include one-sided arm weakness, slurring, and facial drooping.
These are frequently accompanied by the loss of sensation on one side of the face or body.
For some people, it is possible to have TIA and not even notice it.
This doesn’t mean that TIAs are not serious.
Studies have shown that having a TIA greatly increases your risk of a full-blown stroke in later life.
Blood thinners likePlavix (clopidogrel)are commonly prescribed when TIA is diagnosed.
Ongoing treatment may be recommended to reduce your future risk of stroke.
The location of the outbreak varies based on whichspinal rootis affected.
Symptoms of shingles can be greatly reduced with a course of antiviral drugs likeValtrex (valacyclovir).
Shingles can also be prevented with a two-dose vaccine calledShingrix.
The symptoms usually start to improve after a couple of weeks and will resolve within six months.
Some viral infections resolve on their own without treatment.
Tumors
A tumor is an abnormal growth of cells that consolidates into a mass.
It is an uncommon cause of facial numbness but one that can cause persistent or worsening symptoms.
The tumor may bebenign(non-cancerous) ormalignant(cancerous) and affect either the facial nerve or brainstem.
One of the more common benign causes is afacial nerve neuroma.
These tumors often develop after facial surgery a traumatic injury to the face.
A rare cancer affecting the facial nerve is called malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumor (MTNST).
Surgery is sometimes used to treat facial paralysis.
The hands and feet are most commonly affected, but certain medications can also cause paresthesia of the face.
Are There Tests to Diagnose the Cause of a Numb Face?
Many tests can help identify the underlying cause of facial numbness.
You may need to have diagnostic tests as part of your evaluation.
There are many causes, and the associated symptoms may help point to the cause.
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