What causes left-sided facial numbness?

Often you can meet people with an interesting facial expression: it is asymmetrical, as if distorted, emotionless, perhaps accompanied by small muscle twitches.
All these signs are united by a common name - facial neurosis. This condition can have a different nature of occurrence and is provoked by both objective reasons and factors of a psychogenic nature.

Unusual sensations

It happens that a person can feel phenomena in the face and head that are unusual for the usual state. They are called paresthesias and are manifested by the following symptoms:

• tingling;
• burning;
• "goosebumps"
• numbness;
• itching and rashes.

Often facial paresthesias have an organic basis and become a sign of the disease:

• neuritis, neuralgia of the cranial nerves;
• multiple sclerosis;
• stroke and other circulatory disorders in the brain;
• shingles;
• migraine;
• diabetes;
• epilepsy;
• hypertension.

In certain cases, unusual sensations are observed in certain parts of the face. For example, similar manifestations in the language may appear for the reasons listed above, but often have a different etiology. They are provoked by cancer of the tongue and larynx, as well as trauma by a splintered tooth or denture.

Dental procedures cause numbness and other unusual feelings, especially after tooth extraction. Another reason for their appearance may be an uncomfortable position during sleep or an unsuitable pillow. But the sensations caused by such phenomena usually pass soon.

Another group of provoking factors consists of psychogenic and neurogenic disorders.

Causes of paresthesia

Goose bumps on the face are not a disease, but only a symptom of another primary process or a consequence of a provoking factor. It can occur in various areas of the face and occurs in combination with other manifestations, for example, burning, muscle rigidity, swelling. Paresthesia is sudden, temporary or permanent, mild or severe. In the latter case, there is not paresthesia, but complete paralysis of the face.

Most cases of numbness on the right or left side of the face are due to circulatory problems in the head or neck and diseases associated with the central nervous system. However, temporary factors are no exception, after the elimination of which the symptom disappears.

Temporary, not caused by diseases

Only a doctor can rule out diseases of the central nervous system and other body systems as the cause of tingling on the face based on the results of a comprehensive diagnosis. Temporary causes of paresthesia include:

1. Sleeping on an uncomfortable pillow. If for a long time, for example, throughout the night, you take one position of your head to sleep (on your side), you can wake up in the morning with a feeling of numbness and trembling. This can be explained by the fact that nerves and blood vessels are compressed. This causes the development of paresthesia.
2. Increased irritability, behavior characteristic of stress. Often, during an emotional conversation, a person contracts his facial muscles, which contributes to the appearance of muscle hypertonicity and, as a result, numbness in this area.
3. Anxiety syndrome, anxiety before an important event, for example, before an exam. In such cases, sensitivity is lost due to nervous overstrain.
4. Engagement in professional activities that require the head and neck to assume a monotonous position for a long time. These could be professions that require long periods of work at a computer; reading, handicrafts for several hours in a row. In such cases, it is recommended to take breaks from time to time and perform exercises for the cervical spine and head.
5. Colds. The right or left side of the face becomes numb as a result of muscle inflammation, which is a complication of ARVI or acute respiratory infections.
6. Hypothermia. The symptom is caused by vasospasm. After the end of the cold and warming, it disappears.

In other cases, the left side of the face (or right) becomes numb due to the development of a vascular or neurological disease.

Pathological, requiring medical assistance

If the left side of the face is numb, and the symptom occurs frequently or on an ongoing basis, or is present for a long time, self-medication is not recommended. Paresthesia in this case may signal the development of a dangerous pathology. You should immediately call a doctor if the symptom occurs suddenly; in addition to the cheek, part of the lip, nose, chin, forehead, or head is numb. This may be a sign of a stroke, requiring urgent medical attention and specific treatment.

Other pathological reasons why the left side of the face goes numb:

• trigeminal neuritis;
• migraine;
• VSD (vegetative-vascular dystonia);
• neurosis;
• osteochondrosis of the cervical spine;
• multiple sclerosis;
• syringomyelia;
• shingles;
• inflammation of the facial nerve, for example, the temporal nerve.

In most cases of diagnosing pathological causes of paresthesia, stroke and osteochondrosis of the cervical spine occur.

In the latter case, a violation of the sensitivity of one side of the face occurs against the background of constant compression of the spinal nerve or vessel by formed salt stones. Chronic pain in the cervical region, pain in the head, slight dizziness, malaise, and a crunch in the neck when turning the head also occur.

Another common reason why numbness in the left side of the face occurs in women and men is poor circulation in the brain. This condition is considered dangerous and occurs against the background of various factors, for example, when small capillaries are blocked by cholesterol deposits, blood clots, or an aneurysm.

In adult women, acute cerebrovascular accident often occurs with long-term use of hormonal contraceptives, smoking, alcohol abuse, poor diet, and frequent migraine attacks.

Stinging on one side of the face can occur with trigeminal neuralgia. The disease develops against the background of irritation or compression of the nerve during the inflammatory process in the nose, mouth, ear area, as well as due to its contact with a tumor-like neoplasm, adhesive formations after injury. In most cases, the inflammatory process occurs in the lower branch of the nerve, so the symptom manifests itself in this area.

Often, numbness on the left or right side of the face occurs due to a stagnant process in the lymphoid fluid. The inflammatory process in the lymph nodes develops when the infection intensifies and spreads into the lymphatic system. Along with paresthesia, swelling is observed, compressing the nerves.

A less common cause of tingling on the face is sinusitis. The disease is characterized by the development of an inflammatory process in the upper maxillary sinuses, caused by an acute respiratory infection (signs - nasal congestion, sore throat, fever, etc.). In addition, the source of inflammation is the spread of infection from another primary focus, for example, from a gum pocket or a carious cavity of a tooth.

Disruption of the functioning of the central nervous system occurs against the background of insufficient content of useful substances in the body, in particular vitamins B and E. A decrease in the level of these is observed due to the development of pathologies in the digestive system (hepatitis, gastritis, enteritis, etc.). With vitamin deficiency, not only the cheeks tingle, but also the lips and chin.

Poor blood circulation in the facial area occurs after surgery or trauma to this area. In addition to superficial disorders, that is, paresthesia, there is an increased risk of developing secondary infections, the formation of abscesses, and phlegmon.

A disruption in the process of conducting nerve impulses along sensory fibers occurs due to the use of agents from the group of anesthetics. These include Lidocaine and Novocaine, and other drugs used to relieve pain symptoms in dentistry and endoscopy. A consequence of the use of these drugs is the thinning of nerve fibers due to the development of an allergic reaction.

If numbness occurs in the left side of the face and arm, this may be a sign of multiple sclerosis. Each disease of the peripheral nervous system develops against the background of activation of viral pathogens, immunodeficiency or due to food allergies. Multiple sclerosis is characterized by paralysis and impaired visual and auditory function. If left untreated at the initial stage, the disease progresses and clinical manifestations intensify.

Risk group

Relevant studies have proven that in the presence of certain diseases in the body, the risk of paresthesia increases several times. The type of life a person leads is also important.

Persons at risk are:

• females, who more often develop neurological pathologies accompanied by symptoms such as impaired skin sensitivity;
• female during pregnancy (body weight increases, swelling occurs, including on the face, which increases the risk of paresthesia);
• those who are obese and overweight (in this case, an additional load is created on the body; fat accumulations in the face and neck can put pressure on the nerves);
• those suffering from diseases of the endocrine system that cause hormonal imbalance and neurological complications;
• those suffering from diabetes mellitus, which is complicated by damage to the nerves in the face and neck;
• those suffering from rheumatoid arthritis, which occurs with compression of the nerve endings of the jaw joint and, as a result, a violation of the sensitivity of this section.

Also at risk are people whose profession involves the need to sit for long periods of time (office workers, etc.).

Disorders of facial innervation

A neurotic face may develop due to damage to the nerves that innervate it. Most often these are the trigeminal and facial nerves.

The trigeminal nerve is the 5th pair of cranial nerves. It is the largest of all 12 pairs of these nerve fibers.

N. trigeminus arises symmetrically on both sides of the face and consists of 3 large branches: the ophthalmic, maxillary and mandibular nerves. These three large processes innervate a fairly large area:

• skin of the forehead and temples;
• mucous membrane of the oral and nasal cavities, sinuses;
• tongue, teeth, conjunctiva;
• muscles - chewing, floor of the mouth, palatine, tympanic membrane.

Accordingly, when it is damaged, pathological sensations arise in these elements.

Facial nerve – 7th pair of cranial nerves. Its branches surround the temporal and ocular region, the zygomatic arch, and descend to and behind the lower jaw. They innervate all facial muscles: auricular, orbicularis and zygomatic, chewing, upper lip and corners of the mouth, cheek. As well as the muscles of the lower lip and chin, around the mouth, the muscles of the nose and laughter, and the neck.

N. facialis is also paired, and is located on both sides of the face.

In 94% of cases, the damage to these nerve fibers is unilateral, and only 6% is a bilateral process.

Disruption of innervation can also be primary or secondary.

Primary is the lesion that initially involves the nerve. This could be hypothermia or strangulation.

Secondary damage develops as a consequence of other diseases.

Another reason for the development of facial neurosis is neurogenic and mental disorders. When unpleasant sensations in the face and head occur against the background of psycho-emotional arousal, shock, or as a result of stressful situations.

Types of Numbness

Depending on the disease that provoked the syndrome, numbness can affect different parts of the body:

• If the cause is a pathology of the brain, the loss of sensitivity will affect the limbs on the opposite side. So, if the right hemisphere is damaged, the left leg or arm will suffer.
• With diseases of the spinal cord, numbness occurs in the area located below.
• Polyneuropathy provokes the “gloves and socks” syndrome.
• If the culprit is a peripheral nerve, the person will feel a loss of sensitivity in a finger - for example, the little toe on the foot, or the big toe - in the area of ​​​​innervation.

Facial nerve neurosis

Neuritis (neurosis N. Facialis) or Bell's palsy occurs due to inflammation of the nerve fiber. Reasons leading to this condition:

• pinched nerve as a result of narrowing of the channel through which it passes. This may be a congenital phenomenon or result from inflammation;
• hypothermia;
• other diseases and infections: herpes, mumps, otitis media, stroke, cancer, central nervous system infections;
• injury N. Facialis.

The onset of the disease is usually gradual. Manifested by pain in the behind-the-ear area. After a couple of days, neurological facial symptoms appear:

• smoothing of the nasolabial fold, drooping of the corner of the mouth;
• the face becomes asymmetrical with a skew towards the healthy side;
• eyelids do not droop. When you try to do this, your eye rolls;
• any attempt to show at least some emotion ends in failure, since the patient cannot move his lips, smile, or manipulate his eyebrows. Such manifestations can worsen to the point of paresis and paralysis of the facial muscles, that is, to partial or complete immobility of the affected part of the face;
• taste sensitivity decreases, salivation appears;
• the eyes are dry, but there is lacrimation when eating;
• hearing on the affected side worsens.

The severity of pathological symptoms depends on the degree and area of ​​damage to the nerve fiber. If the disease is treated inadequately, complications may arise in the form of muscle contractures (immobility).

Since the disease is inflammatory in nature, its treatment is aimed at eliminating it. For this, the patient is prescribed hormonal anti-inflammatory drugs - glucocorticoids, as well as decongestants.

Other methods include:

• prescription of vasodilators and analgesics, B vitamins;
• anticholinesterase agents to increase nerve conduction;
• drugs that improve metabolism in nervous tissue;
• physiotherapy;
• massage, exercise therapy in the recovery stage.

And only in extreme cases, when conservative therapy is ineffective, neurosurgical intervention is resorted to.

Trigeminal neuralgia

This is another lesion of the nerve fiber structure, which is often chronic and accompanied by periods of exacerbation and remission.
It has several causes, which are divided into idiopathic - when a nerve is pinched, and symptomatic.

The main symptom of neuralgia is paroxysmal sensations in the form of pain on the face and in the mouth.

Pain sensations have characteristic differences. They are “shooting” and resemble an electric shock; they arise in those parts that are innervated by the n.trigeminus. Having appeared once in one place, they do not change localization, but spread to other areas, each time following a clear, monotonous trajectory.

The nature of the pain is paroxysmal, lasting up to 2 minutes. At its height, a muscle tic is observed, that is, small twitching of the facial muscles. At this moment, the patient has a peculiar appearance: he seems to freeze, but does not cry, does not scream, and his face is not distorted from pain. He tries to make a minimum of movements, since any of them increases the pain. After the attack there is a period of calm.

Such a person performs the act of chewing only with the healthy side, at any time. Because of this, compaction or muscle atrophy develops in the affected area.

The symptoms of the disease are quite specific, and its diagnosis is not difficult.

Therapy for neuralgia begins with taking anticonvulsants, which form its basis. Their dose is subject to strict regulation and is prescribed according to a specific scheme. Representatives of this pharmacological group can reduce agitation and the degree of sensitivity to painful stimuli. And, therefore, reduce pain. Thanks to this, patients have the opportunity to freely eat and talk.

Physiotherapy is also used. If this treatment does not give the desired result, proceed to surgery.

Diagnostics

At the first visit, the doctor interviews the prospective patient about the nature of the discomfort, the frequency of occurrence of the symptom, and other clinical manifestations that occur in combination with numbness. They also collect information about cases of paresthesia in the past, the nature of professional activity, and lifestyle. The hereditary factor (cases of neurological and vascular diseases in close relatives) is of no small importance. Find out whether there have been previous surgical interventions that could lead to paresthesia.

Next, the level of sensitivity of the skin is examined in areas that are affected by paresthesia, as well as in adjacent areas. When examining the epidermis, the doctor pays attention to the shade of the skin, the volume of hair on the head near the face (are there areas with hair loss), local temperature (as the inflammatory process develops, it increases).

Symptoms of paresthesia:

• tingling or burning sensation on the skin;
• "goosebumps" on the face;
• blanching of the epidermis in the area with paresthesia;
• numbness.

Paresthesia occurs suddenly, without precursor symptoms, or gradually, supplemented by other clinical manifestations. As a rule, sensory disturbances are short-lived and occur in “flares.” Rarely is the symptom continuous, which is possible with the development of severe multiple sclerosis.

To determine the cause of paresthesia, that is, a neurological or vascular disease, instrumental and laboratory diagnostics are prescribed:

• blood tests for sugar levels;
• blood tests for levels of toxic substances;
• biochemical blood test;
• ultrasound diagnostics of vessels of the neck and head;
• X-ray examination of the spinal column in the cervical region;
• computer and magnetic resonance imaging of the spinal cord and brain.

One of the common methods for diagnosing the primary pathological process is electroneuromyography. The study makes it possible to estimate the rate of transmission of excitation factors along nerve fibers and, as a result, to identify a violation of this process.

If there is a suspicion that paresthesia is caused by filling material entering the dental canal, diagnostic measures are carried out by a dentist.

Real life examples

Some famous people, whose fame sometimes trumpets all over the world, were also hostage to the pathology of the facial nerve.

Sylvester Stallone, who is known for his enchanting roles, was injured at birth. The actor's mother had a difficult birth and he had to be pulled with forceps. The result is damage to the vocal cords and paresis of the left side of the face. Because of this, Stallone had problems with speech, which became a reason for ridicule from his peers.

The actor grew up as a difficult child. But, in spite of everything, he managed to overcome his defect and achieve considerable success, although partial immobility of his face remained.

Domestic showman Dmitry Nagiyev received facial asymmetry, which was nicknamed “Nagiyev’s squint”, due to paresis of the facial nerve. The illness happened unexpectedly. As a theater student, one day he felt that his face was not moving.

He spent 1.5 months in the hospital to no avail. But one day in his room a window broke due to a draft. Fright provoked a partial return of mobility and sensitivity of the facial part, but the left part retained its immobility.

Migraine

This condition is accompanied by attacks of unbearable headache. It is also associated with disruption of the trigeminal nerve, or more precisely, with its irritation in one part of the head. This is where the pain is subsequently localized.

The onset of migraine includes several stages:

• initial;
• aura;
• painful;
• final one.

Paresthesia of the head and face appears with the development of the aura stage. In this case, the patient is bothered by a feeling of tingling and crawling, which occurs in the arm and gradually moves to the neck and head. The person’s face becomes numb and it becomes difficult for him to speak. I am concerned about dizziness and visual disturbances in the form of light flashes, floaters and a decrease in the field of vision.

Facial paresthesia is a precursor to migraine, but often the attack occurs without the aura stage.

How to deal with facial numbness syndrome due to osteochondrosis

Osteochondrosis of the neck leads to irreversible changes in the vertebrae, which directly affect the general well-being of the patient and may manifest themselves in the form of symptoms that are similar to other pathologies. If discomfort occurs in the upper spine, or disruption of the normal movement of blood and lymph in the tissues of the head and face, it is necessary to conduct a comprehensive examination.

Why does the face go numb with osteochondrosis?

Unpleasant sensations, pain in the back and neck may indicate the development of osteochondrosis, which is formed due to the load on the vertebrae when the spine is in an uncomfortable, static-vertical position for a long time.

If there is damage to the vertebrae, cartilage and ligaments in the cervical region, then disturbances in the sensitivity of the skin of the face may occur, the normal mechanism of blood circulation may change, resulting in increased swelling. These symptoms appear due to changes that occur in bone cells during the development of the disease. Osteochondrosis is characterized by a decrease in the normal thickness of cartilage tissue, which leads to contact and friction of adjacent vertebrae. This can subsequently cause the development of inflammation, pinching of blood vessels, spinal cord nerves, and arteries.

These changes in the circulatory and nervous system of the body affect not only the normal functioning of the spine, but also respond with a burning sensation, numbness of the facial muscles, changes in tissue structure, and symmetry.

Diagnostic examination for osteochondrosis

The dangerous fact is that numbness and a burning sensation in the facial muscles can symbolize the spread of other diseases, for example, the brain, so if unpleasant symptoms occur, it is necessary to conduct a neurological examination.

Headaches and migraines, impaired facial symmetry, numbness, burning, tingling sensation, decreased muscle mobility can be manifestations of impaired blood flow in the brain, the development of tumor growths under the cranial bone, hemorrhage, and stroke. The difference is that in the presence of these symptoms of osteochondrosis, unpleasant manifestations on the face can go away when performing physical activity or, on the contrary, occur when staying in a certain body position for a long time. Also, with diseases of the spine, there is no disruption of mental functions or changes in mental activity, the patient maintains concentration, attention and clarity of thought.

Unfortunately, diagnosing and treating numbness of the facial muscles at home can lead to the progression of the disease. Therefore, it is especially important to conduct an X-ray and tomographic examination of the brain and spinal cord. This will reduce the likelihood of an incorrect diagnosis and help avoid many problems and complications by starting treatment on time.

Treatment of numbness of the facial muscles with osteochondrosis

The fight against the negative consequences of osteochondrosis of the cervical spine is carried out by a neurologist or vertebrologist, who are specialists in the field of diseases associated with the nervous system. As a rule, medications are prescribed after a comprehensive diagnosis, taking into account the individual characteristics of the course of the disease.

To combat disorders in muscle tissue and nerve endings on the face, it is first necessary to begin treatment for osteochondrosis:

• With the help of medications that reduce inflammation in the vertebrae and nearby tissues;
• Rubbing with ointments and creams that reduce pain;
• Medicines that restore the cartilage layer and strengthen joints.

An effective remedy is also a back and neck massage, which improves blood circulation and lymph flow to the brain, saturating and nourishing muscle cells on the face.
Author: K.M.N., Academician of the Russian Academy of Medical Sciences M.A. Bobyr

Psychogenic causes of facial neurosis

Undoubtedly, disturbances in facial sensations quite often become a consequence of pathology of internal organs and blood vessels.

But often they are caused by psychological disorders and pathological thoughts that arise in our heads.

Facial paresthesias can be situational in nature and develop during episodic nervous excitement: as a result of quarrels, prolonged and intense screams. Such phenomena cause overstrain of the muscles, especially the cheeks and those located around the mouth. As a result, we experience facial numbness and even mild soreness.

The feeling of fear causes us to breathe quickly and shallowly, or to hold our breath. Disturbances in the respiratory rhythm can also provoke impressions that are atypical for us. A feeling arises that is characterized as a “chill running through.” Moreover, it is more concentrated at the roots of the hair. In this case they say: “chills to the marrow of the bones.” The face also becomes cold, a slight tingling appears in its area.

Such phenomena are disturbing when we are overwhelmed by strong emotions. But they accompany people suffering from mental disorders systematically.

A special type of neurotic facial manifestations is a nervous tic. It is characterized as an uncontrolled and systematic contraction of the facial muscles.

The disorder more often accompanies men. And it manifests itself with the following symptoms:

1.Motor:

• frequent blinking, winking;
• setting the lips with a tube;
• nodding head;
• constant spitting or sniffing;
• opening or upturning of the corner of the mouth;
• wrinkling of the nose.

2. Vocal:

• screaming;
• grunt;
• coughing;
• repetition of words.

There are also signs – precursors – that signal the appearance of a tic.
These include itching, facial heat and other paresthesias. Naturally, these signs are considered pathological if they occur in an inappropriate situation. It happens that only the patient himself feels them, but they are not visible to others.

But often twitching and other nervous symptoms become noticeable by other people, and they cause a lot of discomfort to the patient.

Tics can be simple, when there is only one symptom, or complex, which combines several manifestations.

The most common, main cause of tics is mental stress. It can be caused by a strong stress factor of one-stage action. Perhaps you were very scared of something, or broke up with your loved one. That is, the shock was so strong for you that your nervous system lost control.

Or, on the contrary, disorders develop as a result of prolonged monotonous exposure. Symptoms often appear due to lack of sleep and overwork.

Their duration varies. A situational nervous tic disappears a few hours or days after the cause is eliminated. In another case, it persists for years or haunts the patient throughout his life. In such a situation, in addition to eliminating the provoking factor, subsequent psychological work with the patient is required. This type of disorder is called chronic.

A nervous tic can be one of the signs of mental disorders such as neurosis, obsessive thoughts and phobias, depression.

Another group of provoking factors include:

• diseases - stroke, brain injury, infections or poisons;
• neurodegenerative diseases - Huntington's chorea. Characterized by destruction of brain tissue. Accompanied by uncoordinated, sudden movements, as well as neurological disorders of the face. Of these, the first sign is slow eye movements. Then a muscle spasm of the face occurs, which manifests itself in grotesque facial expressions - grimacing. Speech, chewing and swallowing are impaired;
• burdened heredity;
• parasitic infestations;
• eye fatigue due to prolonged eye strain;
• unbalanced diet, when the body receives little magnesium, calcium, glycine. These elements participate in the normal conduction of nerve impulses and are responsible for the coordinated functioning of the nervous system.

Numbness of the face on the left - causes

Strokes and transient ischemic attacks

A stroke occurs when there is a disruption in blood flow to the brain. This may occur as a result of a ruptured blood vessel in the brain or a blockage of a blood vessel carrying blood to the brain. Sudden numbness in the face is one of the warning signs of a stroke. It can occur on the left or right side and rarely affects the entire face. Other warning signs include:

• numbness or weakness in muscles, often affecting one side of the body
• confusion and dizziness
• severe headache
• speech difficulties
• visual impairment

After a stroke, paralysis or numbness on one side of the body or face may persist. Transient ischemic attacks have the same symptoms as a stroke, but they do not last as long.

Treatment for a stroke will depend on the cause, but care must be given immediately. The doctor may use medical procedures such as inserting a catheter to remove a blood clot or giving medications such as blood thinners or antiplatelet drugs. After a stroke, treating symptoms often includes lifestyle changes, such as eating a healthy diet and quitting smoking.

Multiple sclerosis

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is an inflammatory disease characterized by damage to myelin. Myelin is a fatty substance that makes up the membrane that wraps around nerve fibers. MS affects communication between nerves, which limits communication between different parts of the body and the brain. Because MS affects nerves throughout the body, it can present with a wide range of symptoms. One possible symptom is a tingling or numbness sensation in various parts of the body, including the face.

There is no specific treatment for MS, but some treatments are available, including steroid medications.

Bell's palsy

Bell's palsy is a sudden weakness or paralysis of the facial muscles that may worsen over 3 to 5 days. This condition results from inflammation of the seventh cranial nerve (facial nerve). This nerve is responsible for controlling the movement of the facial muscles. Damage to the facial nerve in Bell's palsy can cause weakness or paralysis on one side of the face. Sometimes numbness may occur.

To treat Bell's palsy, doctors often recommend eye drops to keep the eyes hydrated. Depending on the severity of symptoms, other medications may include steroids or antivirals. Physical therapy is also an option to help the facial muscles recover after Bell's palsy.

Infections

Some infections can lead to symptoms that affect the facial muscles. For example, tick bites can cause a bacterial infection that leads to Lyme disease. Lyme disease is an inflammatory infection that causes fever and skin rashes throughout the body. Without treatment, Lyme disease can progress, potentially causing numbness on one or both sides of the face.

Lyme disease is usually easily treated with a course of antibiotics. In more severe cases, steroid drugs are prescribed.

Another example of an infection that can cause facial numbness is shingles. Shingles is a reactivation of a viral infection that affects the nerves. The virus that causes it is the varicella zoster virus. Shingles symptoms usually occur on one side of the body or face, sometimes only in a small area. Signs include tingling or numbness that may affect one side of the face. People with shingles often use pain medications, and doctors sometimes recommend antiviral drugs such as Acyclovir (Zovirax) and Valacyclovir (Valtrex).

Migraine

A migraine is a sudden and severe pain that usually starts on one side of the head. Without treatment, migraines last from 4 to 72 hours. In addition to severe headache pain, migraines can have several other symptoms, including nausea and sensitivity to light. Some people experience temporary symptoms that occur before a full-blown migraine. One such symptom is numbness or a tingling sensation, which often affects the hands or face. For some people, auras may occur before, during, or after a migraine. This sensation includes neurological symptoms such as numbness.

There is no cure for migraines, but some medications, such as erenumab, help prevent attacks. Lifestyle changes, including regular exercise and stress reduction, may help some people.

Nervous tics in children

There are several types of such disorders in childhood.

Transient tic disorder begins to manifest itself during early school age. Its duration ranges from 1 month to 1 year. Motor types of tics occur more often. Mainly typical for children with developmental delays and autism.

Chronic disorder occurs before age 18. And lasts from 1 year and above. In this case, either motor or vocal tics develop. The earlier the pathological symptoms appear, the easier and faster they pass.

Tourette syndrome is a multiple tic disorder characterized by both motor and movement types. A serious disease, which, however, softens with age.

A special type of disease, which is also characterized by signs of the nervous type, is minor chorea. It develops against the background of infections caused by streptococcus: sore throat, tonsillitis, rheumatism. Accompanied by pathological changes in nervous tissue.

Along with hyperkinesis, emotional instability, irritation, restlessness and anxiety, this condition corresponds to neurotic changes in the face. They are expressed in tension and spasms of the facial muscles, which is often mistaken for grimacing. There is also a spasm of the larynx, manifested in inappropriate screams.

At school, such children, not knowing the true cause of facial hyperkinesis, and even in combination with increased activity, are reprimanded and kicked out of class. Such an attitude towards the child forces him to miss school classes and avoid going to school. Treatment for chorea minor, along with sedatives, includes antibiotics to fight infection and anti-inflammatory drugs.

A nervous tic leaves a heavier imprint on a child’s psyche than on an adult. It often causes anxiety and detachment, withdrawal, and even provokes depressive disorders. Causes sleep disturbances, speech difficulties, and learning difficulties.

Tic disorders lead to distorted self-perception and decreased self-esteem.

Parents of such children are advised not to focus the child’s attention on the problem. On the contrary, they recommend finding ways to shift attention and increase self-esteem. A special place is given to support groups for such people and communication in general.

Signs of right-sided paralysis

If there was a stroke in the left hemisphere, the patient’s right side of the body is affected, the muscles of the limbs are paralyzed and there is no speech. These are the main differences between this condition. Patients also develop the following symptoms:

1. Common symptoms are headache, nausea, vomiting and weakness. They appear in the first few days and are considered the body’s response to damage to brain neurons;
2. Loss of movement - with central paralysis, the right limbs are flaccid, there is no sensitivity, the patient cannot perform any actions with the right arm and leg. If peripheral neurons are affected, the patient experiences tremor, and some movements are difficult on the same side;
3. Reduced memory – there are difficulties in remembering sentences; in severe cases, it is difficult for a person to repeat individual words;
4. Paresis of the right facial nerve - this branch innervates all facial muscles on its side. In the absence of control, the muscles relax, the patient’s corner of the mouth and lower eyelid “hang”;
5. Spontaneous contractions of some skeletal muscles on the right - usually the arm is bent at the elbow joint, the leg is straightened, and inward rotation of the foot is noted.

The listed symptoms are observed a few minutes after hemorrhage. As health deteriorates, the patient develops stress, accompanied by depression and difficulties in communication.

How to get rid of nervous tics

In order to free yourself from unpleasant sensations, you must first eliminate their problem. Sometimes all it takes is a good night's sleep. In another case, you need to change the situation for a while, get out of the destructive environment.

Among the auxiliary methods used are herbal soothing teas, baths with the addition of aromatic oils, swimming, walks in the fresh air or sports: running, yoga.

Add ingredients with a high content of calcium and magnesium to your menu. These include fermented milk products, buckwheat, bran bread, red fish, eggs, and meat. Vegetables and fruits include beets, currants, dried fruits, nuts and parsley.

If these foods do not fit into your diet, consider taking appropriate vitamin supplements. Do not overuse strong tea and coffee.

And most importantly: remain optimistic and calm in any situation!

In cases where the condition worsens, psychotherapy is sought. Cognitive behavioral therapy is especially effective in helping to stop tic disorders at the stage of their precursors.

Habit reversal therapy teaches patients movements that help prevent the development of neurological facial symptoms.

Medications include anticonvulsants and muscle relaxants, Botox injections, and antidepressants.

If the above methods are ineffective in combating nervous tics, they turn to deep brain stimulation. A device is installed in the GM that controls electrical impulses.

How to treat paresthesia

As soon as the cause of the sensitivity disorder of the facial skin is found, etiotropic treatment is prescribed. Symptomatic therapy consists of taking vitamin preparations containing group B, carrying out physiotherapeutic procedures (electrophoresis, laser and magnetic therapy, etc.).

You can get rid of paresthesia, first of all, by eliminating the provoking factor:

1. If the sensitivity of the facial skin is caused by an inflammatory process, for example, periodontal disease, an infection that causes caries, it is treated. Cavities are cleaned, dead teeth are removed, etc.
2. If sensitivity is lost due to the development of inflammation in the maxillary sinuses, antibacterial drugs are prescribed for rinsing the nasal cavity. The latter are selected taking into account the sensitivity of pathogens to the main active ingredient.
3. If the cause of paresthesia is neuralgia, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, reflexology, electrophoresis, and acupuncture are required.
4. If paresthesia is a symptom of multiple sclerosis, special hormones and immunosuppressants are prescribed to suppress the immune attack.
5. If there is bleeding in the brain (hemorrhagic stroke), urgent delivery of the victim to the hospital department is required, where he is administered antihypoxic drugs. For ischemic stroke, fibrinolytic drugs and anticoagulants are used.

To prevent the occurrence of paresthesia in the future, it is recommended to stop drinking alcohol, lead a healthy lifestyle, and control blood pressure and blood glucose levels. If you manage to detect alarming symptoms against the background of paresthesia (nausea, dizziness, etc.), you should immediately consult a doctor. Home treatment, including folk remedies, can cause additional harm to health.

How to remove teak yourself

If a nervous facial tic is situational and is not too intense, but at the same time obsessive, you can try to get rid of it using physical methods.

One way is to try to disrupt the pathological muscle rhythm by overexerting it. For example, if your eye twitches, try to close your eyes tightly.

It is possible to calm an overexcited muscle through a light massage. Or apply cold to it. The temperature difference will also help. Wash your face alternately with cold and warm water.

Dermatillomania

Neurosis of the face and scalp can manifest itself in a behavioral disorder such as dermatillomania.

Its main manifestation is scratching the skin of the face and head, not because of itching, but because of dissatisfaction with its appearance. This also includes an obsessive zeal to squeeze out pimples, scratch off scabs, and pull out hair. Self-injurious actions cause a short-term feeling of pleasure, followed by feelings of shame, frustration, and dissatisfaction.

The face of such patients is covered with scars and scars due to constant trauma to the skin. This process is uncontrollable and can occur at any time of the day. But most often traumatic actions are carried out in front of a mirror.

Symptoms of the disorder also include the habit of biting the lips and mucous membranes of the cheeks. Patients are not deterred by the prospect of redness, bleeding, and scarring of the skin. They repeat the ritual day after day. It lasts from a few minutes to an hour.

Such actions can be provoked by feelings of fear, anxiety, and close examination of one’s skin because there is nothing to do.

Dermatillomania has been described as a state of addiction. It begins with concentrating on what the patient thinks is a skin defect. Gradually, attention is increasingly focused on this detail. A person begins to think that he is sick with something serious. This provokes irritability and nervousness in him, leading to obsessive actions.

The root cause of the disease is rooted in the psychological state of a person and lies in self-dissatisfaction, anger, feelings of shame and malice. Traumatic rituals are a way of punishment, self-flagellation.

Treatment of this pathology requires the intervention of a psychotherapist and a dermatologist.

The main method of treating addiction is psychotherapy, in particular cognitive behavioral therapy.

Yoga, physical exercise, relaxation procedures, as well as any hobby that absorbs a person and helps redirect attention will help reduce anxiety, distract and relax.

The help of a dermatologist is necessary to eliminate skin lesions in order to prevent infection and reduce the degree of dermatological defect.

Neuroses

This is a large group of diseases, manifested primarily in psycho-emotional disorders, as well as malfunctions of the autonomic nervous system. They do not cause pathological disorders of the nervous tissue, but have a significant impact on the human psyche.

There are several types of disorders in which the symptoms are visible.

Muscular neurosis is manifested by muscle tension, spasm and convulsive twitching. Neurosis of the facial muscles makes itself felt with the following manifestations:

• nervous tic;
• lip tension, clenching;
• convulsive contraction, the face seemed to move;
• tingling, burning sensation;
• muscle pain;
• Tension of the neck muscles is manifested by a feeling of lack of air, a lump in the throat.

When we find ourselves in a stressful situation, our body produces stress hormones. They, among many other reactions, cause muscle tension. Now imagine, if we are exposed to chronic stress, what happens to our muscles, and specifically to the muscles of the face. Being systematically in hypertonicity, they overexert themselves. This is what causes their nervous twitching, spasms, and convulsions.

Another type of neurosis is skin. It causes paresthesias in the facial skin of the following type:

• severe itching, burning in the facial and scalp without clear localization;
• sensation as if something were touching the face. And it's terribly annoying;
• the appearance of red spots on the face and neck. Possible rash.

The causes of such phenomena are nervous and mental overstrain, chronic stress, sleep disturbances, as well as disruptions in hormonal regulation.

With neuroses associated with disruption of the autonomic nervous system, various manifestations may also occur. Malfunctions in the functioning of the vascular network occur, and a vascular neurotic disorder develops.

Vascular neurosis of the face is manifested by flaking and dryness, a feeling of tightness of the skin. She becomes pale, sometimes cyanotic, and her sensitivity worsens. In addition, sneezing appears, the nose is stuffy, the eyes become red and watery, the skin itches and itches. This indicates the development of vegetative-allergic reactions.