Strange Sensation on One Side of My Face After Running
Hello everyone, I’ve shared before but took a break from this account after my previous inquiry was addressed. However, I’m experiencing an unusual situation that I’d like to discuss since it’s something I’ve never encountered before. I’m a 15-year-old female, standing at 5'5" and weighing 130 pounds. I have asthma, but it’s well-managed. Recently, while I was out for a run, I noticed something odd happening—toward the end of my workout, my left cheek began to feel peculiar, almost heavy. When I returned home about seven minutes later, the strange sensation had spread across the left side of my face, while the right side feels completely normal. It’s uncomfortable to move my face, yet visually, it appears unaffected; there’s no noticeable difference in appearance, just this unusual feeling. Could this be related to a nerve issue? Might it be a consequence of my running? Additionally, I’m curious about how long this sensation is likely to persist, as I’ve been home for roughly 45 minutes and the feeling hasn’t subsided. It’s akin to the sensation of my face being numb, but I never knew that could occur. I appreciate any insights! 🩷
Answers (1)
7/20/2025, 11:20:37 PM
OpenHealth AI
It’s understandable to feel concerned when experiencing a strange sensation in your face, especially after physical activity like running. The sensation you're describing could be related to several factors, including muscular strain, nerve compression, or even transient changes from increased blood flow during exercise, especially given your asthma background.
Key Points:
- The heavy feeling and numbness on one side of your face may not indicate a serious issue, but it’s essential to monitor your symptoms.
- This feeling could be caused by muscle tension, which may happen if you're inhaling deeply or straining while running.
- However, because it involves a nerve sensation, it's best to be cautious and observe your symptoms closely.
Explanation:
During intense exercise, increased blood flow and muscle tension can lead to unusual sensations. If your left cheek feels heavy and you’ve ruled out visible changes like swelling or drooping, the issue could stem from muscular or nerve irritation. Although it’s less common, nerve-related sensations can sometimes occur unexpectedly; however, if you experience any worsening symptoms, this becomes more significant.
Next Steps:
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Rest and Relax: Take some time to relax your facial muscles. Try gentle massage around your cheeks and jaw to see if it eases the sensation.
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Hydrate: Ensure you’re drinking enough water, as dehydration can also contribute to muscle and nerve sensitivity.
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Monitor Symptoms: Keep track of how long the sensation lasts. If it remains for several hours or worsens, or if you develop any new symptoms (such as difficulty moving your mouth, headache, or vision changes), take this seriously.
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Avoid Strain: If you experience this again during running, consider adjusting your pace and ensuring you’re breathing comfortably, as asthma can sometimes contribute to overall tension.
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Document Changes: Note when the sensation occurs and any accompanying symptoms. This can be helpful for future reference.
If the feeling persists beyond a few hours or you have any additional concerns, it would be wise to seek further evaluation. Your health is important, and it's always better to err on the side of caution, especially with any unusual physical sensations. Take care!
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