Undiagnosed facial numbness

[Doris147]

During August 2009, I began to have numbness in my upper right gums, lips,  nose and gradually it spread to the left side of gums and nose, and has continued under the eyes and out toward the ears to the cheekbone.  There is not pain, and not really tingling, but little "electric" currents..  I have had two MRI's one opf the brain to elimiate tumors, one of sinuses.  Show nothing.  I checked with y dentist, my ophthomologist, my ENT, and neurologhist.  They have found no reason for this.  I am now tryng alternatives, namely accupuncture, chiropractic,, and cranial massage, and maya facia release massage. I decided to go to my psycotherapist too, and we had 3 good sessions together.   I am taking eastern herbs, and just started some other alternatives, namely aloe Vera Gel, Natti Pot, and Kombucith.  I have no idea if these will help, but I'd like to know what is causing this loss of taste buds, "sandpaper feeling" in my mouth, and discomfort eating many foods.  I can handle some soups, yogurt, avacado, tapioca pudding, soft vegetables, not spicy burning foods.  I used to like my coffee and soup hot, Now I need it lukewarm only.  I drink lots of warm water, as I can't handle icy cold.  Even my favorite{icecream} is not a comfort food any longer.  I eat plenty I am sure and have only lost a few pounds.   The meds I take are Synthroid, Adalat and Atenelol.  I am going to ask the cardiologist if I can stop Atenelol, because I read that some side effects are skin bruises that don't go away. ( have that) and weakness in legs (I feel that even with all my exercise) and  dryness feeling in mouth.   I do have high blood pressure, and had some slight fibrulation.--I guess that is why I'm on atenelol.  Can you give me any clues as to why I have this, and what to do to heal it.  I do not need any med to cover symptoms, as I can live wirh this as it is noy painful.   Thank you.    Doris147  

[numbface51]

Sorry, I don't have any answers but your symptoms sound similar to mine - infact they are the most similar that I have found yet, and I've been searching for a long time.  

About 5 years ago I started to loose some taste in my mouth and had slight numbness on the left side of my mouth.  Over time this has spread - still more dominant on the left side of my mouth, but there is also a slight numbness on the right side of my mouth, especially in my lips.  It has also spread to my nose and up to my eye and even my forhead - all still mostly on the left side though.  I also can't tolerate hot or cold - put ice cubes in all my hot drinks and microwave anythinb that comes out of the fridge - even salads.

I've had all kinds of testing done and seen all kinds of practicioners during this time - but so far no-one has a clue what is going on.  I've had an MRI, blood work done, have seen a Nerologist, an ENT specialist as well as an acupuncturist, a naturopath and even an intuitive healer.  Everything always tells me that I seem to be healthy - which I generally am - I just have this annoying numbness.  I can live with it, but I do worry that it will get worse as it has done so over the past 5 years.

If you find out any answers I'd love to hear about them, as it sounds like we might have something similar.

[Dr Santos]

Hi,
How are you? The loss of taste  and numbness in the face highly suggest problems with the nerves. The usual side effects of atenolol include any of the following: indigestion, constipation, dry mouth,  dizziness or faintness, and even fatigue or lack of energy. If you experience some of these, inform your doctor for alternative medication. It is good that the tests were normal. However, if the symptoms continue, further evaluation with a neurologist may need to be done. Take care and do keep us posted.