Right side of face is numb
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Causes of Right-Sided Facial Numbness: A Comprehensive Overview
Right-sided facial numbness can be a symptom of various underlying conditions, ranging from benign to serious. This article synthesizes findings from multiple case studies to provide a comprehensive understanding of potential causes.
Tumors and Masses
Petrous Apex Meningioma: A 50-year-old female experienced right-side facial numbness and electric shock-like sensations due to a large cerebellopontine angle mass. MRI confirmed the presence of a meningioma, which was successfully removed via a retrosigmoid approach.
Fronto-Parietal Lesion: A 44-year-old male with a history of hypertension and smoking presented with right-sided facial numbness. MRI revealed a large extra-axial space-occupying lesion in the right fronto-parietal region. Surgical resection and subsequent radiation therapy led to a favorable outcome.
Trigeminal Ganglion Tumor: A 45-year-old woman had right facial numbness and pain due to a mass at the base of the brain affecting the trigeminal ganglion. Surgical removal of the mass provided relief.
Vascular Issues
AICA Infarction: A 78-year-old woman experienced sudden-onset vertigo, nausea, and right-sided facial numbness. MRI and angiography revealed an infarction in the territory of the right anterior inferior cerebellar artery (AICA).
Trigeminal Neuropathy from Infarction: A woman in her 50s developed right-sided facial numbness after a nonsurgical cosmetic procedure. MRI showed an infarct in the right pontine region affecting the trigeminal nerve root entry zone.
Neurological Disorders
Multiple Sclerosis: A 40-year-old man presented with right-sided facial numbness and diplopia. MRI revealed a T2-hyperintense lesion in the left midbrain peduncle, leading to a diagnosis of clinically isolated syndrome, a precursor to multiple sclerosis.
Trigeminal Trophic Syndrome: A 53-year-old man developed right facial numbness and an ulcer on the right nasal ala following strokes. This condition, known as trigeminal trophic syndrome, is characterized by self-induced ulceration due to altered sensation.
Other Causes
Perineural Extension of Melanoma: A 64-year-old man with a pigmented lesion on his face and right facial numbness was diagnosed with malignant melanoma. MRI showed perineural extension along the maxillary division of the trigeminal nerve.
Uncontrolled Hypertension: A 58-year-old man with a history of uncontrolled hypertension woke up with right facial numbness. Although no specific lesion was identified, hypertension can contribute to vascular issues leading to such symptoms.
Conclusion
Right-sided facial numbness can result from a variety of conditions, including tumors, vascular issues, neurological disorders, and other causes. Accurate diagnosis often requires imaging studies like MRI and CT scans, and treatment varies depending on the underlying cause. Early detection and appropriate intervention are crucial for favorable outcomes.
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