Diagnostic Tests for Numb face

Diagnostic Test list for Numb face:

The list of diagnostic tests mentioned in various sources as used in the diagnosis of Numb face includes:

• Physical examination
  • Test corneal sensation by lightly touching the cornea (the surface of the eye over the iris) with a wisp of cotton wool and determining if you feel the touch. If the cotton wool is not felt this may indicate a lesion of the ophthalmic division of the trigeminal nerve
  • Test facial pain sensation in all three divisions of the trigeminal nerve - (i.e. forehead, middle of face and lower jaw) with the sharp end of a pin. Loss of pain sensation will result in the pin prick feeling dull. Determine the area of dull sensation.
  • Test facial light touch sensation in all three divisions of the trigeminal nerve with a piece of cotton wool
  • Test remainder of cranial nerves, especially third, forth and sixth cranial nerves as they are often also involved if the cause of facial paresthesia is due to aneurysm of internal carotid artery, extension of a pituitary tumor, cavernous sinus thrombosis or secondary tumor in the area of the cavernous sinus
  • Examine the ear to detect chronic middle ear infection
  • Palpate bones overlying sinuses to detect tenderness which may suggest infection and possible cavernous sinus thrombosis as a complication
• Blood tests
  • Calcium level to detect hypocalcemia which can cause facial numbness
  • Elevated phosphate levels may cause hypocalcaemia
  • Low parathyroid hormone may cause hypocalcemia
  • Low Vitamin D metabolite levels may cause hypocalcemia
  • Renal function tests to detect chronic renal failure which may cause hypocalcemia
• Radiological investigations
  • CT brain stem, if suspect tumor or stroke or abscess
  • MRI of brain stem, if CT scan is not helpful or inconclusive, may detect multiple sclerosis
  • X-ray and CT scan of petrous temporal bone, if history of trauma and have 7th nerve palsy
  • X-Ray of paranasal sinuses to detect infection which may cause cavernous sinus thrombosis
  • Carotid ultrasound scan, if stroke is suspected
  • Cerebral angiogram, if suspect cavernous venous thrombosis
• Spinal tap - may be required to diagnose Multiple sclerosis or encephalitis.
• Electrophysiological tests such as visual-evoked response (VER) - may be required to diagnose Multiple sclerosis.

Home Diagnostic Testing

These home medical tests may be relevant to Numb face causes:

• Diabetes: Related Home Testing:
  • Home Diabetes Testing
  • Home Blood Glucose Test Kits
  • Home Urine Glucose Tests
  • Home Urine Ketone Tests
  • Home Diabetes HbA1c Tests
  • Home Microalbumin Tests (Kidney)
  • Home Urine Protein Tests (Kidney)
  • Home Kidney Health Tests
  • Home Eye Health Tests
• Nerve Neuropathy: Related Home Testing:
  • Home Diabetes Test Kits
  • Home Blood Glucose Testing Kits

 » Next page: Glossary

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