OpenHealth Q&A

Facial Numbness on the Left Side Since Early June

At the age of 29, I experienced a troubling incident in the first week of June when I tripped and collided with a tree limb, striking the left side of my face. The limb made contact diagonally across my face, with the end just grazing my eye; fortunately, I managed to close it in time. Initially, my eye was sore and felt warm, but there were no visible bruises or alarming signs right away. However, a couple of days later, I began to notice a numb sensation that originated from the top of my left face and extended down to my eye. By the end of that day, this numbness had spread down the left side of my face and even into my neck. The following morning, I experienced unusual sensations while swallowing, so I decided to visit the emergency department (ED). Upon my arrival, the medical team conducted standard assessments. The doctor examined my eyes, ears, mouth, and nose, and performed a comparative touch test on both sides of my face and hands—though the numbness did not extend to my hands. He remarked that the situation did not appear serious and ordered a Lyme disease test, even though I had not been bitten by any ticks. By the time I was discharged from the ED, approximately seven hours later, I had started regaining some sensation, though there was still a feeling of tightness. During a follow-up appointment with my primary care physician (PCP), I received the results of the Lyme test, which returned negative. My PCP informed me that if my symptoms persisted by the time of my annual check-up the following month, they would likely refer me to a neurologist. Since the incident, I have also been experiencing occasional eye pain, which feels like pressure behind my eye. Now, more than two months post-incident, the left side of my face continues to feel numb and tight. Additionally, I’ve noticed a change in my peripheral vision; it seems reduced or darker on the left side. My PCP arranged for an MRI without contrast, which showed no significant findings, and subsequently suggested I schedule an appointment with a neurologist and an eye exam. I’ve also been experiencing what may or may not be related issues. Over the past few days, I’ve felt persistent aching in my left cheekbone, and sporadic discomfort in the left eyebrow area. Although probably unrelated, I have been experiencing jaw pain between the tip of my chin and the jawbone, which occasionally radiates upward. I recently consulted with a dentist after a long hiatus, but no issues were discovered on that side. There are alignment concerns with my left jaw; I suspect TMJ problems, as I previously had episodes where my jaw would lock, restricting how wide I could open my mouth. Additionally, I have been experiencing tendinitis in my left arm, which has aggravated recently due to increased repetitive tasks at work. Lastly, my left leg tends to go numb occasionally, particularly after prolonged sitting—usually from distractions while on my phone—though it rarely happens on the right side.

Answers (1)

8/17/2025, 11:01:22 PM

OpenHealth AI

It sounds like you are experiencing a variety of concerning symptoms on the left side of your face, along with some other related issues. The persistent numbness, changes in vision, and occasional pain suggest that your condition needs thorough evaluation. Here’s a clearer breakdown of the situation:

Summary of Your Situation:

1. Numbness and Tightness: This began after a facial injury from hitting a tree branch, and has persisted for over two months.
2. Vision Changes: You’re noticing reduced peripheral vision on the left side.
3. Eye Pain: This feeling of pressure behind your eye adds to your discomfort.
4. Facial and Jaw Discomfort: Persistent aches in your cheekbone and jaw pain, possibly related to TMJ.
5. Other Concerns: Tendinitis in your arm and occasional numbness in your left leg, especially after sitting for long periods.

Explanation:

The numbness and tightness in your face could stem from various causes. This may involve nerve irritation from the initial injury, but the changes in vision and new symptoms might suggest additional issues that need to be addressed. Since an MRI showed no significant findings, it’s important to explore this further with a neurologist, as they can look into other possible conditions, including nerve entrapments or even the possibility of other neurological concerns.

Next Steps:

1. Schedule Your Neurologist Appointment: This should be your top priority. A neurologist can perform specialized tests and may suggest additional imaging or tests to better understand your symptoms.

2. Optometrist/Ophtalmologist Visit: Since you are experiencing changes in vision, scheduling an eye exam is also important. Persistent pressure behind the eye can indicate eye strain or other conditions needing assessment.

3. TMJ Management:

   • If TMJ is suspected, consider seeing a dentist or a specialist in orofacial pain who can offer treatments such as physical therapy, bite guards, or other interventions to help alleviate jaw pain and dysfunction.
   • In the meantime, apply warm compresses to the jaw area and practice gentle jaw stretches if it is not painful.

4. Document Your Symptoms: Keeping a detailed diary of your symptoms—when they occur, their intensity, and any associated activities—can provide valuable insights for both your doctor and neurologist.

5. Address Arm Tendinitis: Stretch your arm regularly and take breaks during repetitive tasks. Applying ice after activities can help reduce inflammation.

6. Posture and Ergonomics: Be mindful of your posture while sitting, especially when using your phone. Using ergonomic furniture or taking frequent breaks to move can help reduce numbness in your leg.

Support and Follow-Up:

I understand this situation can be quite distressing, and I encourage you to take these steps seriously. Each of these suggestions aims to provide you with clarity on your health and to manage your symptoms more effectively. Please feel free to reach out if you have any more questions or if you need further guidance on any specific point!