What would cause one side of my head/face to feel asleep all the time? (Also have frequent, severe headaches)

Question

I almost always feel like the right side of my head has fallen asleep. I even get the "pins & needles" sensation in my face. I also have severe headaches frequently, lasting anywhere from an hour to a week. I've had a normal MRI and MRA of my head. Also tried (at Dr.'s recommendation) a very strong NSAID with no relief.

They've done a bunch of blood work, but I don't know if any of it involved checking for vitamin deficiencies. They've already ruled out Bells Palsy, MS, tumors, and any kind of problem with the arteries in my head. This is a problem that has gradually built up over a 2-year period.

Doesn't seem to fit lyme disease. Mainly, because I've never had the rash, or any other symptoms. A tingling sensation is almost always present on the right side of my face, my scalp is tender to the touch, my right eye feels funny and sometimes doesn't seem to want to be able to process what I'm seeing (does that make sense...I can see fine, but what I'm seeing doesn't always make sense to my brain). These symptoms are almost 100% constant. The headaches are very frequent (sometimes I'll go a day or two tops without one) and sometimes completely debilitating....always limited to the right side.

Answer 1

My mom was having similar symptoms. For her it started on her scalp. She would have a tingling sensation that turned to a numbness. The doctors tried a bunch of different test before the finally found out she had lyme disease. A disease you get from ticks. It is treatable but can cause serious problems if it is untreated. Im not a doctor, but its maybe something I would ask about.

Answer 2

Chiropractor and B-vitamins are good suggestions. You should get a liquid preparation of B-12 and others in a sublingual form. It tastes like fruit. You want at least 1000 mg a day sublingually. Also, Omega-3 oils or fish oil caplets help nerve function. You might get some relief. How is your blood pressure?
I did have Lyme disease in 1994 and had Bells Palsy, which means my peripheral nervous system was invaded. They also did a spinal tap and found white cells but could not culture anything. Bells Palsy is evident when you have drooping on one side of your face. I woke up thinking I must have had a small stroke. If it turns out to be Lyme Disease make sure they treat it aggressively -IV treatment for nervous system invasion!

Answer 3

Found this on a search for Lyme disease.

I have had Lyme off and on for 15 years. I can personally attest to NOT having pulled off a tick, nor did I ever find a bullseye rash. Some people get it, some don't. Sometimes it's on the scalp and you'll never see it.

However, having had an episode of Bell's Paulsey (sp?) caused by Lyme, I think I can comment on this. For me it happened on the LEFT side of my face. I am not positive, but I think that this is a constant with Lyme. I also had a slight swelling of the brain behind my left eye which drastically effects my vision. Because of this I have a permanently dialated left pupil. I also had constant facial twitches during the outbreaks on the same side. So what I wanted to say is that Lyme, for whatever reason effects the left side of the face, at least for me.



Hope that helps.

Answer 4

While the fun answer would be that you drank too much I think it's probably either dust mites in your bed (don't be grossed out we all have them!) that you're reacting to or your pillow is too soft, or there is some position you sleep in that's grinding on your vertebrea causing piched nerves and thus headache. Clean the room, try a different pillow and good luck!

Answer 5

I actually had similar symptoms.

Did they do blood tests to see check for vitamin deficiencies? Sometimes the body stops metabolizing some B vitamins it causes those EXACT symptoms.

Didn't in my case (mine still reoccur on occasion and they suspect its MS) but I would talk to a neurologist and get those tests done.

Answer 6

There is a chance you are experiencing a syndrome called "Bell's Palsy".
Check out this site to see if this sounds familiar.
I had a friend who had this.

ps; didn't read far enough...do you have a pinched nerve? Spinal injury of ANY kind? Doesn't take much to choke off the pathways... sorry...don't know beyond this.

Answer 7

Check your hips. Try stretching exercises which will help stretch the hips and the back. I suggest Karen Voight's DVD Yoga Sculpt.

If you can't find then try other yoga teachers who can help you with stretching. Sitting for too long causes the problem. Another cause maybe that you sit in the wrong position.

if you have access to Acupuncture/chiropractor/therapist, you can also ask him/her to check out.

Answer 8

Check into Bell's Palsy. Not sure if thats your answer, but its worth looking into.

Answer 9

Try consulting a Chinese doctor or accupuncture. It will help you remove the problem from the root.

Answer 10

try a chiropractor it could be a pinched nerve in your neck or spine.