Physical Address
304 North Cardinal St.
Dorchester Center, MA 02124
Facial tingling can be described as a mild pins and needles sensation with some degree of numbness. It is referred to as facial nerve palsy (FNP) in medical terminology and it can be very annoying and annoying. (1)
This article will give you all the relevant information to better understand this condition and manage it properly.
Causes of facial numbness
Facial tingling or numbness usually occurs when underlying nerves are damaged, compressed or irritated. Sometimes, disturbances in normal body chemistry can also impair nerve function and trigger such symptoms.
Most causes are not serious, but when muscle weakness or paralysis is also present, tingling and numbness should be treated as an emergency.
Here are some conditions that can cause tingling or numbness in your face for various reasons:
- Inflammation of blood vessels, which limits blood flow to nerves in the body, leading to loss of sensation
- Stroke, which reduces blood flow to the brain so that it cannot receive and process nerve signals properly
- Panic disorder/anxiety attack (2)
- Damage to part of the sensory pathway
- Physical trauma, injuries, and some genetic disorders that cause them Nerve damage or dysfunction
- HIV, leprosy, herpes, and Lyme disease, which can all cause nerve inflammation
- Multiple sclerosis and Guillain-Barré syndrome, (3) Which can cause inflammation of the facial nerves, which may lead to the gradual erosion of their outer layer, which is called demyelination
- Diabetes that is not well controlled, which can cause nerve damage
- Not getting enough vitamins B12 and D, poisoning from ingesting heavy metals (such as lead) or other toxins, and chemotherapy drugs, all of which can lead to metabolic abnormalities that lead to nerve damage or dysfunction. (4)
- Sarcoidosis and other inflammatory conditions that cause swollen lymph nodes and thus put pressure on surrounding nerves (5)
- Connective tissue disease, a rare autoimmune disorder that can cause nerve damage and thus may be responsible for facial numbness (5)
- Coronavirus infection that causes injury to nerve tissue, as discussed in a case report where a 61-year-old patient developed fever, cough, and facial tingling and was diagnosed with COVID-19 (6)
- – A tumor inside the nose or one of the sinuses (7)
- Dental problems (7)
- Myofascial pain syndrome (MPS)
- Idiopathic/unknown cause (as in Bell’s palsy)
Symptoms associated with facial tingling
Facial tingling may be limited to one or both sides of the face and is often accompanied by other symptoms.
Mild symptoms associated with facial tingling include:
- Temporary loss of sensation
- Slight tingling pain
- Sensitivity to touch
- Pain in or behind the ear
Severe symptoms associated with facial tingling include:
- Burning pain that gets worse at night
- Muscle wasting or weakness that causes drooping of the mouth and difficulty speaking
- Malfunction of organs or glands
If these symptoms only affect one side of the face, it is called unilateral FNP. Most cases of FNP fall into this category, about half of which are idiopathic and referred to as Bell’s palsy. (1)
If the symptoms affect both sides of the face, it is called bilateral FNP or facial diplegia, which is quite uncommon because it affects only 1 person in every 500,000 people.
Facial numbness treatment
Treatment for facial tingling depends on the underlying cause. Mild cases are generally benign, involve minimal pain, and tend to resolve on their own.
If the condition is caused by anxiety and stress, adopting relaxation treatments and appropriate lifestyle modifications can help manage it at home.
However, most causes of facial tingling run the risk of causing severe nerve damage and other problems, so it is best to seek medical evaluation to get proper diagnosis and treatment.
Some common treatment options include:
- Your doctor may suggest antivirals, corticosteroids, anti-anxiety medications, and pain relievers to combat symptoms. (8)
- If Guillain-Barré syndrome is responsible for your symptoms, you will need supportive care and treatment with intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) or plasma exchange (PE) to control the disease.
- If facial numbness is caused by mental, emotional, or behavioral disorders, your doctor will refer you to a psychiatrist (3)
Diagnosis of facial numbness
Diagnosing the cause of facial numbness includes the following steps:
- Review medical history
- Inquire about symptoms
- Physical examination
- Additional tests such as blood culture, throat culture, and tests to check kidney function, liver function, blood electrolyte levels, vitamin B12 levels, folate levels, and serum angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) levels.
- Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) analysis and other neurophysiological tests
- Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) screening of blood and saliva for herpes and cytomegalovirus (CMV)
- Imaging tests such as MRI of the brain and chest X-ray
- Electromyography (EMG) and nerve conduction velocity (NCV) to look for any nerve-related disorder
Natural ways to deal with facial tingling
Facial tingling can be idiopathic, meaning it occurs for no apparent reason. This condition is known as Bell’s palsy.
Since the cause is unknown, the doctor cannot prescribe a specific treatment to treat it.
Alternative treatments are often recommended for patients with Bell’s palsy. However, there is not enough scientific data to support their effectiveness. These non-medical interventions target some of the common causes of facial paralysis and are fairly safe.
Some alternative treatments that may help manage facial tingling are:
1. Relaxation therapy
Relaxation therapy involves a variety of techniques and exercises that help relieve tension, stress and anxiety, which are common triggers of facial tingling. (9)
2. Biofeedback therapy
Biofeedback therapy involves using electronic and other devices to monitor various physiological functions of your body such as heart rate.
Tracking these largely involuntary bodily functions can help you learn how to modify them at will. The goal is to use this biofeedback to modify your physiology in a way that benefits your physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual health. (10)
3. Nutritional supplements
Nutritional deficiencies, such as low levels of vitamins B12, D, and C, as well as zinc and copper (11) It has been associated with neuropathy, which can lead to facial tingling. (12)
Therefore, your doctor may recommend nutritional therapy or nutritional supplements to compensate for deficiencies in these essential vitamins and minerals.
4. Herbal remedies
Many medicinal herbs have been shown to help relieve facial pain and numbness associated with nerve disorders, and thus may help reduce facial tingling as well (although there are no direct studies to support this claim)..
Curcumin (turmeric), saffron (Saffron sativus), ginkgo (Ginkgo biloba), and bitter gourd or curry (Momordica charantia) are some readily available herbs that can prove effective in this regard. (13)
But you should consult a doctor before using these herbal ingredients.
How to use:
- Add some turmeric and saffron to warm milk and consume this tonic.
- Take ginkgo biloba extract supplements.
5. Acupuncture
Acupuncture is an ancient Chinese technique in which needles are inserted into specific points on the body to promote healing. This intervention may help relieve the painful facial tingling generally associated with nerve disorders. (14)
When do you see a doctor?
Facial tingling requires urgent medical attention if:
- It lasts for a long time.
- It has a sudden onset.
- It is accompanied by severe pain, muscle weakness, slurred speech, drooping of the face, blurry vision, or fatigue.
The final word
Facial tingling can be a sign of nerve damage or some serious underlying condition that requires proper medical evaluation and care. So, don’t take it seriously and don’t deal with it yourself. Inappropriate or delayed treatment can lead to serious complications.
Regarding natural remedies, there is not enough research to support their use to manage this potentially serious condition. If you decide to try any new treatment or treatment for facial paralysis, consult your doctor first to prevent adverse outcomes.
