Two Weeks of Discomfort and Numbness in the Chin
Hello everyone, I am a 25-year-old female experiencing persistent pain and numbness in my lower lip and chin for the past two weeks. Despite numerous consultations with medical professionals, I have yet to receive a clear diagnosis. Here’s a brief overview of my situation: * **March 17**: I experienced a sudden and intense toothache in the evening, localized to my lower right jaw, which made it impossible for me to sleep. * **March 18**: I began taking Ibuprofen, which provided some relief. A visit to the dentist indicated no sensitivity to temperature or pressure, and there were no visible cavities. * **March 19**: I sought a second opinion from a different dentist, who conducted additional sensitivity tests and X-rays focused on the canine tooth where the pain originated. The results were normal. * **March 24**: The discomfort persisted, leading to a complete dental X-ray, which revealed nothing unusual. During my return home, I experienced numbness in my entire right chin and lower lip. * **March 25**: I discovered a small, firm lump under my canine tooth, and the numbness intensified. A consultation with an oral surgeon revealed surprise that the lump hadn’t been identified earlier. Again, no cavities were detected, and he suggested it could potentially be a schwannoma. * **March 28**: An MRI scan of my neck showed no signs of tumors or inflammation, although there was a slightly increased number of lymph nodes on both sides of my neck, which were not enlarged enough to be considered a concern. * **March 29-31**: I continued to experience no fever or external swelling. The lump has grown closer to the surface (I have photos available), and while the pain has diminished, the numbness continues. I also feel sharp pain and a burning sensation when I manipulate the lump. Could this be indicative of an abscess?
Answers (1)
3/31/2025, 10:00:44 PM
OpenHealth AI
Persistent pain and numbness in the chin can be unsettling, especially when multiple medical opinions haven’t brought clarity. Your symptoms suggest a few possibilities, such as an abscess, a nerve issue, or a benign growth like a schwannoma, as mentioned by the oral surgeon. Let's break it down and plan clear next steps.
Explanation:
-
Symptom Analysis:
- The initial toothache could indicate a dental issue, such as referred pain from the tooth or nearby structures.
- The numbness and the firm lump suggest that there may be involvement of nerves or soft tissues in that area, possibly leading to conditions such as a nerve entrapment or an infection.
-
Imagery and Examination:
- You've already undergone an MRI and dental X-rays, which have ruled out larger concerns like tumors and significant abscesses. However, the presence of increased lymph nodes could indicate some level of inflammation or immune response.
Next Steps:
-
Monitor Symptoms: Keep a daily log of your symptoms, noting any changes in pain, numbness, size of the lump, or new sensations. This will help in future consultations.
-
Self-Care Measures:
- Gentle Warm Compress: Apply a warm compress to the area; this may help reduce discomfort and promote circulation, which could aid in healing if it’s an inflammatory issue.
- Pain Management: Continue using over-the-counter pain relievers like Ibuprofen as needed, while ensuring you are following dosing recommendations.
-
Further Evaluation:
- Since the lump is changing, consider requesting a biopsy or further imaging studies specifically of the lump to clarify its nature. Discuss with your healthcare provider about this if it continues to grow or cause discomfort.
-
Seek Neurology or Specialist Opinion: If numbness persists or worsens, or if new symptoms arise, it’s reasonable to consult a neurologist. They can assess for any nerve issues that may not have been fully explored.
Conclusion:
Your experience is understandably concerning, and while a definitive diagnosis is pending, focusing on symptom management and careful monitoring is essential. Don’t hesitate to seek further specialist opinions if your condition does not improve or if the lump's characteristics change significantly. Remember, your comfort and well-being are the priorities here. Feel free to reach out if you have more questions or need additional support.
Related Questions
Braved the Cold Without Gloves at -20
19-year-old from Toronto here. After being outside in frigid temperatures, I've returned home feeling quite cold. My right hand is experiencing numbness and tingling in the fingertips. What steps should I take? It's been around 7 to 8 hours since I was outdoors.
Normal MRI and EMG Reveal Nerve Slowdown
Greetings, I’m a 23-year-old female seeking guidance about some health issues I’ve been experiencing. Recently, I've noticed weakness in both my hand and arm, particularly in my dominant hand where grip strength has been notably diminished. After undergoing an EMG, the results indicated that my nerves are exhibiting a slowdown. However, my MRI results were unremarkable. To address some swelling I experienced, I was prescribed a course of steroids (4mg for a few months), which alleviated some of the issues, yet I still experience residual swelling in my hand. Often, my hand feels cold, and I notice a popping sensation when I move my fingers. Despite these sensations, I do not have any numbness or tingling, and the swelling appears sporadic. The pain I endure is quite severe, described as a hammering sensation throughout my hand. On occasion, I take ibuprofen (600mg) for relief, but it proves to be somewhat ineffective. My wrist itself seems fine, but my orthopedic specialist is considering a diagnosis of carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS), even though my symptoms don’t align with typical CTS indicators. I would greatly appreciate any advice or insights you may offer!
Chronic Hypersomnia Since Adolescence: A Seeking Path for Answers
I am a 30-year-old white male, standing 5 feet 11 inches tall and weighing 160 pounds, residing in the United States. **Current Medications:** - Adderall XR 40 mg - Sunosi 150 mg - Lisinopril 40 mg - Atenolol 25 mg - Tolvaptan 60 mg **Medical Background:** - Autosomal Dominant Polycystic Kidney Disease (ADPKD) at stage 2 (eGFR 67) - Obstructive Sleep Apnea (utilizing CPAP machine since July 2024) - Complex Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (CPTSD) **Symptoms Experienced:** - Persistent and overwhelming sleepiness—more than just fatigue—accompanied by a heavy feeling in my face and chest; I struggle to keep my eyes open and often feel as if I am burdened. - I sleep for 10 to 14 hours every night, supplemented by involuntary naps lasting 1 to 2 hours multiple times throughout the day. - None of my sleep feels restorative, leading to a groggy, hangover-like state upon waking. - Cognitive challenges including a lack of focus, forgetfulness, and trouble retrieving words, which have grown more pronounced over the last four years. - Activities as simple as showering or cooking now feel like moving through molasses. - I experience low physical endurance and lengthy recovery times, even though I previously maintained a regular exercise routine. My late father exhibited similar symptoms with the addition of seizures he associated with alcoholism, although he was never assessed medically. I, on the other hand, do not have any alcohol or addiction issues. **Specialist Consultations:** - **Sleep Specialist:** A Multiple Sleep Latency Test (MSLT) ruled out narcolepsy with no Sleep Onset REM Periods (SOREMs) and a 12-minute latency. I comply with CPAP therapy for an average of eight hours each night, but there has been no alleviation of my symptoms. Testing revealed no periodic limb movement disorders, alpha-delta intrusions, or unexplained nighttime arousals. - **Nephrologist:** Symptoms are considered unlikely to stem from my current stage of ADPKD. Tests show I’m not anemic, with standard iron levels. - **Rheumatologist:** An ANA titer of 1:320 with a speckled and nucleolar pattern appears elevated; however, all specific autoimmune tests returned negative. Monitoring was suggested without a clear diagnosis provided. - **Psychiatrist:** It was determined that my symptoms do not seem to be connected to mental health issues. My therapist has also validated in a letter that my condition is unrelated to psychological factors. - **Miscellaneous Findings:** An arachnoid cyst was detected in my brain. My white blood cell count is borderline low and my red blood cell count alternates between normal and low realms. Testosterone levels are within the normal range, though morning cortisol is slightly elevated. Normetanephrine is elevated at 2.15 nmol/L, while metanephrine remains normal at 0.27 nmol/L. Both Vitamin D and B12 levels are adequate. Tests for STIs returned negative results. **Current Situation:** I am currently on disability, unable to work even in part-time capacities and can no longer engage in exercise, finding myself nearly confined to my home. I feel as though I am being sent from one specialist to another without gaining clarity on my condition. What avenues should I explore next? Which type of medical professional might offer further insight? I'm beginning to doubt my own experiences, pondering if I am merely being lazy or overly sensitive.
Sudden Stabbing Throat Pain
As a 19-year-old female, I find myself dealing with a sudden, intense pain localized on the right side of my throat, adjacent to my windpipe and beneath my chin. These episodes are unpredictable; they strike without warning, persist for just a fleeting moment, and then vanish completely. This situation is genuinely concerning for me. I'm at a loss for how to alleviate this discomfort. Has anyone encountered a similar issue or have any insight into what could be causing this?
Understanding Limited Finger Mobility and Associated Discomfort
I’ve noticed that my right hand struggles with having individual finger movement. To illustrate this challenge, I recently recorded a brief video showcasing my hand's limitations. Additionally, I’ve been dealing with persistent neck and shoulder pain for several years now. Despite consulting multiple healthcare professionals, I’ve yet to receive any conclusive answers regarding my condition. I’m currently attending physical therapy, but even my therapist seems puzzled by the situation. An MRI of my neck returned results indicating only mild issues, and the same goes for my shoulder, with nothing alarming detected. I would be immensely grateful for any insights or suggestions, particularly since the discomfort has forced me to halt my weightlifting training.