Facial paresthesia is a medical term used to describe a feeling of numbness and tingling in the face and is usually caused by damage to the trigeminal nerve. Symptoms often include a feeling of pins and needles or facial tightness and numbness. In addition to nerve damage, facial paresthesia can be caused by cold temperatures, nutritional deficiencies, or a variety of other medical conditions. In many cases, the exact cause of this condition remains unknown, even after extensive medical testing. Any questions or concerns about facial paresthesia on an individual basis should be discussed with a physician or other medical professional.
Most cases of facial paresthesia do not indicate the presence of a serious or life-threatening disease. If facial numbness and tingling are accompanied by numbness in one or both arms or legs, emergency medical assistance should be sought to ensure that the patient has not suffered a stroke. The appearance of any sudden symptoms of facial paresthesia should be reported to a physician for further medical evaluation.
Nerve damage is the leading cause of facial paresthesias and can be the result of traumatic injury or natural disease processes. Multiple sclerosis and diabetes are two main factors that contribute to the development of this condition. Dental problems, especially those involving the jaw or the primary facial nerve, known as the trigeminal nerve, are also likely to cause numbness and tingling in the face.
Hormonal irregularities, nutritional deficiencies, and exposure to cold temperatures can cause temporary facial paresthesias. Some medications, especially those used to treat epilepsy or other seizure disorders, can make your face feel numb. Symptoms usually go away once the underlying cause has been treated. If symptoms persist, a doctor may order a variety of medical tests, including X-rays and blood tests, in an attempt to locate the cause of the symptoms.
Treatment for facial paresthesia depends on the underlying cause of the condition. Prescription medications are frequently used, although not everyone experiences relief through the use of oral medications. Injections can be given directly into the trigeminal nerve, or surgery can be used to try to repair any damage to the facial nerves. If the symptoms are caused by brain damage, such as in the case of a stroke, there may be no successful method of treatment available. The supervising physician will discuss all available treatment options with the patient so that an individualized plan of care can be developed.