What are the treatment of left-sided numbness and Bell's palsy?

Hello,

Please do not wait for a routine neurologist appointment if these symptoms are new, sudden, worsening, or have started within the last 24 hours.

Go to the nearest emergency department immediately or call your local emergency ambulance service. Do not drive yourself. Even if the numbness or facial weakness improves or disappears, urgent medical assessment is still needed because a TIA (mini-stroke) can cause symptoms that improve temporarily.

Why is urgent treatment important?

Bell's palsy usually affects one side of the face, but Bell's palsy does not normally explain numbness of both the hand and foot on the same side. One-sided hand/foot numbness together with facial weakness can indicate a problem affecting the brain, including stroke, so doctors need to rule this out first.

What treatment be needed?

The treatment depends on the cause. At the hospital, doctors may perform a neurological examination and may order tests such as a CT or MRI brain scan, blood tests and an ECG.

If a stroke is confirmed, treatment depends on whether it is caused by a blood clot or bleeding. Some patients may need clot-dissolving medicine or a procedure to remove a clot, depending on how quickly they reach the hospital and their test results.

If the doctors confirm that it is Bell's palsy rather than a stroke, treatment may include steroid medicine and, in some cases, antiviral medicine. Treatment for Bell's palsy works best when started early. If the affected eye cannot close properly, eye drops/ointment and protection of the eye may be needed to prevent eye damage.

What precautions should you take until you are examined?

• Do not massage or manipulate the face, hand or leg forcefully.

• Do not start steroids, blood thinners or other neurological medicines on your own.

• Do not delay hospital assessment to try home remedies.

• Take a list of all current medicines and previous medical reports with you.

• Note the exact time when the numbness or facial weakness first started, or the last time you were completely normal. This information can be very important for doctors when deciding treatment.

What symptoms make it an emergency?

Seek emergency care immediately if there is:

• Sudden or worsening numbness or weakness on one side

• Facial drooping

• Difficulty speaking or understanding speech

• Difficulty walking or loss of balance

• Sudden vision changes

• Severe sudden headache

• Dizziness or confusion

• Difficulty swallowing

These can be signs of stroke and require urgent hospital treatment.

Please share your city and state. We can help you identify suitable neurologist/neuro-physician and hospital options in your area.

However, if the left-hand and left-foot numbness and facial weakness are happening now or started suddenly, please go to an emergency department first rather than waiting for a specialist appointment.

Wishing you and your family good health always.
Warm regards,
Team HexaHealth