Ongoing Facial Sensations and Other Symptoms Over 3.5 Years
I am a 39-year-old woman who stopped smoking a decade ago. Currently, I am taking a GLP-1 medication, which I began in July 2024. I don’t take any other medications, and my physical stats are 5 feet 2 inches tall and weigh 130 pounds. Additionally, I have been diagnosed with Eosinophilic Esophagitis, which causes heartburn and reflux. Occasionally, I consume alcohol or marijuana, perhaps once or twice a month. Since June 2022, I have been experiencing unusual sensations on the right side of my face. Initially, the sensations were confined to my lips, but they have gradually spread to my jaw, cheek, chin, and forehead. These feelings include tingling, burning, tightness, and an odd dullness—not quite numbness, but similar. The sensations can last most of the day and may persist for weeks at a time before easing slightly, only to return with increased intensity. So far, I have not identified any specific triggers for these episodes. After being referred to a neurologist, I underwent an MRI in 2022, which revealed no abnormalities. Blood tests showed mildly low vitamin B levels and somewhat elevated cholesterol. Since the onset of these facial symptoms, I have noticed additional sensations throughout my body, though I am uncertain if they are connected. These include brief episodes of tingling on my scalp, arms, and legs, which occur bilaterally and typically last no more than 5 to 10 minutes. I have experienced three migraines in the past two years, something I had never suffered from prior. Additionally, I feel a burning sensation on the inner sides of both arms, pelvic pain that transitioned into a fluttering feeling in the pelvic region (I underwent a transvaginal ultrasound that showed no issues; while the symptoms have subsided significantly, some discomfort persists when lying on my side), and a recurrent episode of intense neck pain on the right side that lasted several months. Lastly, I have a long history of restless legs at night, which seems to have worsened recently. While I understand that my situation is not an immediate medical crisis, the unrelenting nature of the facial tingling is disconcerting. The fact that it has persisted for over a year without clear answers is both distressing and distracting. I would greatly appreciate any insights or suggestions regarding what's happening and potential strategies to alleviate or treat these symptoms. Thank you for your support.
Answers (1)
2/4/2026, 11:00:57 PM
OpenHealth AI
It’s understandable to feel concerned and frustrated with ongoing and unexplained symptoms like facial sensations and other discomforts, especially when they have persisted over time. Based on what you’ve shared, it seems that your symptoms might relate to multiple factors, potentially including nerve irritation, vitamin deficiencies, or even side effects related to your medication. Here’s a structured response to guide you:
Main Takeaways:
- Ongoing Facial Symptoms: Tingling and sensations on the face can be due to several factors, such as nerve irritation or deficiencies.
- Additional Symptoms: Other sensations throughout the body, including migraines and pelvic discomfort, may be interconnected, warranting attention.
- Next Steps: Focus on symptom management, dietary improvements, and possibly exploring physical therapy or relaxation techniques.
Explanation:
- The facial sensations you are experiencing could stem from nerve issues, particularly if there are no abnormalities seen in your MRI. Conditions like neuropathy or migraines can often manifest in unusual sensations like tingling or burning.
- Low levels of vitamin B could also contribute to nerve health and may need to be addressed further. Your elevated cholesterol might not directly account for these symptoms, but maintaining heart health is essential.
- Given the nature of your symptoms, they may be related to stress, physical tension (possibly due to your neck pain), or may even be a reaction to medication, especially as you mentioned being on a GLP-1 medication.
Actionable Steps:
- Vitamin B Levels: Increase your intake of vitamin B-rich foods (like leafy greens, whole grains, and lean proteins). Consider discussing the need for vitamin B supplements with a healthcare provider if needed.
- Monitor Symptoms: Keep a detailed symptom diary documenting when sensations occur, their duration, and any potential triggers. This can help identify patterns and facilitate discussions with healthcare providers.
- Reduce Stress: Explore relaxation techniques such as mindfulness, yoga, or gentle stretching, which may help decrease overall tension and potentially reduce symptoms.
- Hydration and Diet: Stay well-hydrated and maintain a healthy diet to support overall nerve health and alleviate some gastrointestinal symptoms from Eosinophilic Esophagitis.
- Regular Check-Ins: Given the chronic nature of your symptoms and their impact on your life, consider scheduling regular follow-ups with your healthcare provider to re-evaluate potential physical therapy for neck pain or adjustments in your current treatment plan.
Additional Thoughts:
Remain proactive about your symptoms while being kind to yourself. Chronic symptoms can be particularly draining, and seeking support from counseling or support groups can be beneficial. Always feel empowered to ask questions and express concerns about any changes in your health. If new symptoms arise or if existing symptoms significantly worsen, make sure to revisit this with your healthcare provider.
Please reach out if you have more specific concerns or want further clarification on any particular aspect of your situation.
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