TMJ pain causing half facial numbness (trigeminal neuropathy)

[mushroomushroom]

Hi there,

For the last week I've had quite severe pain in my jaw on the left side. It feels like a flare up of TMJ issues (which I have and use a night guard to help with, but I haven't been using it lately. I am now though) and I've been massaging it to get some relief.

A few days ago the lower left half of my face went numb, like how it feels after an injection at the dentists. I went to the dr and she did a load of blood tests and I don't have high inflammation or anything that would signal an infection. She said that the best outcome would be that I have shingles, but in any case I'm most likely going to have an MRI. Worst case is tumour or MS. She gave me strong antivirals in case I develop a rash before I see her again on Monday.

To me though it really feels like it's connected to TMJ and not something more sinister. I haven't seen a dentist yet. Has anyone had this before and it's been related to TMJ?

The numbness was at its peak on Friday, yesterday morning it was much less, and today it's less again, barely noticeable. I still can't chew though.

Sorry also in case it's relevant, I'm 36, am quite stressed at the moment (which I know could cause flare up). I saw a chiropractor last week and he showed me more self massage techniques, plus the usual exercises. He thought it was joint related too.

Hi Op.

I've had all sorts of problems with TMJ. Really got worse due to Covid related stress. Never full facial numbness- but plenty of pain and difficulties chewing. If you look online though, there is loads of information (from good sources) about TMJ related numbness.

If you are being offered an MRI, you might want to take it as a 'just in case' option but you are very probably right about the cause so try not to worry too much.

My TMJ also flares up with stress and the best solution for me (as I can't get on with the mouthguard) is Botox injections in my Masseters. That also slims down my jawline as a secondary (and nice) side effect. Self-massage and stress reduction techniques (in my case: meditation, exercise and a "F**k it, not worth it" mantra) also help.

All the best- nasty thing to have.

It sounds like your tmj. I'm awaiting total tmj replacement surgery. In addition to the horrendous bone, nerve and muscle pain, the left side of my face is numb and feels like it droops but doesn't look like it feels. It will be the nerves from your tmj. If you haven't already you could ask your Dr or dentist to refer younto max fax. I wish my dentist had referred me years ago and I wouldn't have got this bad.