Experiencing Left Cheek Swelling with Linguistic Sounds and Numbness
I’m a 33-year-old female, standing at 5 feet 5 inches and weighing approximately 140 pounds. My medical history includes anxiety for which I take 15mg of Lexapro, and I manage epilepsy with Keppra, taking 1000mg in the morning and 1000mg in the afternoon. I had a seizure on February 29, 2024, which was due to forgetting my medication three days after giving birth. Additionally, I am on birth control. Earlier today, around 2 PM, I began noticing an unusual sensation in my mouth. Specifically, when I spoke, air would significantly accumulate in the left side of my mouth while pronouncing specific sounds, namely "b," "p," and "f." The corners of my lips felt numb, reminiscent of that tingling sensation one might experience after dental anesthesia starts to fade. This strange numbness persisted for approximately two hours but has since started to diminish and return to normal. Apart from this issue, I feel completely fine. I reached out to my neurologist, but I won’t hear back until tomorrow. Given my concerns about the possibility of a neurological issue, I prioritized contacting him. I am still in the process of finding a primary care physician. In the meantime, I’m curious if anyone could shed some light on what might be causing these symptoms. Thank you!
Answers (1)
4/3/2025, 10:10:35 PM
OpenHealth AI
It's understandable to feel concerned about experiencing left cheek swelling and numbness, especially considering your medical history. The sensations you're describing, particularly with air accumulation and numbness in your mouth, could be related to several factors, including nerve involvement or muscle function related to speech.
Explanation:
- Possible Neurological Causes: The symptoms of numbness and air accumulation may be associated with how your nerves and muscles are functioning, particularly if they are transient. Conditions affecting the facial nerve or the muscles of the mouth could lead to these sensations.
- Oral/Muscle Fatigue: Sometimes, after significant activity or stress (like managing your seizures or adjusting to new motherhood), you might experience fatigue in the muscles used for speech, which could explain temporary sensations.
- Anxiety: Given your history of anxiety, high-stress levels can sometimes manifest as physical symptoms, including tingling sensations.
Next Steps:
- Monitor Symptoms: Keep an eye on your symptoms over the next few hours or days. Note any changes, such as if the numbness recurs, how long it lasts, and if it spreads to other areas or affects your ability to speak.
- Check for Other Symptoms: Pay attention to any additional symptoms like weakness, visual disturbances, or severe headaches, which could indicate a need for more urgent attention.
- Stay Prepared for Your Neurologist Appointment: Document your symptoms in detail to share with your neurologist. This will help provide context and assist in their evaluation once they contact you.
- Relaxation Techniques: Practice relaxation techniques (like deep breathing) to help manage any anxiety while you wait to consult with your neurologist.
If your symptoms worsen or you experience new, alarming symptoms like persistent numbness, drooping on one side of your face, confusion, or difficulty speaking, consider seeking immediate care.
Remember, your safety and well-being are paramount, and reaching out to healthcare professionals is an important step in getting the appropriate care.
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