Numb Chin Syndrome
Posted , 56 users are following.
So I have a small spot on the tip of my chin that is numb, like feeling like how it would feel if a dentist gave you anesthesia. Just numb. I thought maybe a shaved to close and cut it making it numb. Then after taking it for maybe a month or so, I decided to see what could be done about it. I instead found out about Numb Chin Syndrome. Everything I read is this is fatal within months due to cancer. Although I have read it can also be cause by diabetes neuropathy (I'm a type 1 diabetic for about 35 years now, so I'm praying to god that's what causing it, although I don't really have much other neuropathy in my body, so that kinda seems like a stretch), and I've also read anxiety can cause it (And of course I've had anxiety most of my life). Anyways, to the point, suddenly I'm starting to get TMJ symptoms, earaches when sleeping, dull headaches that last a few seconds and then go away... Should I go to the doctor and see about getting an MRI scan, knowing if it comes back positive for cancer of any kind, I'm probably going to die soon and have most of my remaining time spent in a hospital instead of out in the world living, as well as leaving behind my wife (who does think this all in my head) and 10 & 8 year old kids, which the thought of is pushing me towards depression. I'm at a complete loss for what to do here and scared and feel so lonely. Thank you in advance for anyone who has any advice...
2 likes, 260 replies
lucy10563 nate73255
Posted
I know this is an old post but I'm totally freaking out.....3 days ago i woke up and noticed the right side of my chin was numb after the usual google have gone into complete panic mode!!!! No other symptoms and its not completely numb feels like it does when youve had an injection at the dentist and its starting to wear off. no diabetes, no previous dental work....absolutely terrifying! am also 6 weeks pregnant oh and 37......any advice hep would be great as there doesnt seem to be many people that have had this around.
many thanks x
nate73255 lucy10563
Posted
Hey Lucy,
First of all, welcome! I understand the totally freaking out part. Believe me, I went through it too. 2 pieces of advice I'm going to give you right away. 1. Stay away from Dr. Google. Literally almost anything you put in for a symptom on Google will give you a cancer result of some sort. Unfortunately I made this mistake too. 2. Try not to freak out. Remember, you are going through pregnancy, so that probably has something to do with it. However, if you still worried, go see you're doctor and let him/her know. They'll get you going down whatever path you need to go down. If you do go to your doctor, remember, you are your own best advocate. Push for answers if you have too. But as of right now, and I know this is hard, try not to freak out and get super stressed out about it. It won't help you or your baby. And that is the last thing you need. Not sure if you are a believer in god or not, but I'll say a pray for you and your baby. It can't hurt. 😃
As a personal note, I've made it to the 10 month mark, and am still doing fine. I hope everyone else in this thread are still doing ok as well. Drop in and say hello if you have the time!
lucy10563 nate73255
Posted
aww Nate thank you so much for replying to me its a lonely place in panic and despite searching the internet for people that have suffered something similar and survived (theres hardly any around.....another panic). I am so glad you are still doing well, yes any prayers are only a good thing and thank you again for taking your time to reply to me its appreciated more than you'll ever know. 😃
kristen69526 lucy10563
Posted
Hi Lucy!
I'm also still here.
Mine is just like yours. I call it a numb spot but it started with that novocaine wearing off feeling and became more of a numbness over a few months.
It's been 9 months for me, and with every month that passes and no new symptoms developing, I feel less worry, but in the beginning I was in complete panic mode!
Mine has started to come and go, and just recently it stayed away for about a week and then when it came back, I was so upset, but as I've mentioned above, therapy for anxiety has been helping me so much.
I'm seeing a sports med doc and a Pt for an unrelated shoulder issue, and have found that I've developed scoliosis in my neck, from tight muscles. Doc thinks it's a nerve issue coming from there. I'm really beginning to believe he's right, because after a good stretch of the suboccipital and SCM muscles, the feeling practically goes away, and every time I get a tension headache, it comes back strong. Having something other than cancer to focus on helps my stress levels so much! Give it a shot, after all, stretching can't hurt! (But don't get discouraged if it doesn't help - nerves are slow healers so any fresh irritation won't just disappear right away!)
This thread and our shared experience has given me a lot of peace too. It's so reassuring to see other people who are doing fine. I hope it helps you, too.
Congratulations on the pregnancy! I'm so sorry this is adding stress to it. Come back and keep us posted!
lucy10563 kristen69526
Posted
aww Kristen thank you so much for your reply it really does mean such alot to me that you guys have taken your time to offer your support to a stranger in full panic mode 😃. I honestly didnt expect it so thank you all for offering me some comfort. its interesting what you say about the muscles as ive always struggled with neck and back pain possibly down to my terrible posture. I've started taking iron tablets and vitamin b just on the off chance but maybe the chiropractor might be helpful too.
I've seen the gp who is referring me for an MRI if its still the same in 2 weeks time. But I will certainly keep you all posted with how I get on.
Thanks again and take care x
nate73255 kristen69526
Posted
Interesting Kristen that you are having an shoulder issue. I am too. I've never wrote it on here because I figured it had nothing to do with the issue of chin numbness. But my doctor so far has contributed it to shoulder tendonitis. I've been on medication for about 3 weeks now to see if it clears it up. If not, it will probably be MRI time for to see if my rotator cuff is torn or something. Fun times... lol
On another note, glad to see you around again, and still doing well. We are a tough bunch around here! 😃
kristen69526 nate73255
Posted
I just wanted to add this image too, that another physical therapist shared. The red spots are possible trigger points from a tight SCM muscle. Look at the chin!
And Nate - the TMJ, ear aches at night, weird headaches - all can be symptoms/aggravations of a tight SCM and/or scalene muscles. I get the earaches too, and have TMJ. I find so much peace in all these coincidences!
christian81207 nate73255
Posted
Hi all,
Been through your msgs and all I can say is that I feel your pain / frustration as I too am suffering from TMJ, chin numbness.
It all start back in June 2018, had bad muscle pain in my jaw and was told that I have TMJ from bad teeth grinding during my sleep. Been to several doctors and specialists until finally I saw a dentist who specializes in TMJ. Prescribed me anti inflammatory drugs and muscle relaxants and made me a mouth guard - all seemed good for around 3 weeks.
In October I started feeling numbness and a tingling sensation in my lower jaw / teeth / lips and chin. My lower lips feel swollen too - its a very strange sensation, like being stung by a bee or given anesthetic by a dentist. It persists to date! Done an MRI - all clear, was told that most probably its due to anxiety... a big help... I exercise a lot, run, swim and been also doing some meditation through Headspace... numbness still there.
Would greatly appreciate feedback from anyone who has a similar history to mine and whether he or she found a solution to this chin / lower jaw / lips numbness / tingling....
Thanks 😃
All the best!!
Chris
kristen69526 christian81207
Posted
Hi Chris,
I'm always sad to hear someone else is going through this stress, and yet relieved to hear there's another of us with clear scans and no terrible prognosis!
You've read our stories so no need for me to repeat here!
I'm a headspace fan too. This darn chin is giving me lots of good habits in a weird way. 😃
lucy10563 christian81207
Posted
H Chris
Sorry to hear you are going through this anxiety provoking numbness, unfortunately I cant add too much as im still unsure what caused mine however after a week mine seems slightly less numb. Anyway sorry I dont have any answers however I just didnt want to read and run.
Take care and fingers crossed you see some improvement soon.
Lucy
kristen69526 nate73255
Posted
How's everbody doing?
I'm swamped in anxiety and fear again, and trying my best to keep my wits about me.
I made the mistake of googling again, in a vain effort to prove to myself that I don't actually have NCS, but rather just some tight muscle induced nerve issue. It failed miserably of course, because the internet is evil!
Working on meditating, and have my regular follow up with my doc scheduled next week anyway, so hoping I can get some reassurance as well.
I hope all of you are doing better mentally than I am, and that we're all thriving physically!
christian81207 kristen69526
Posted
Hi Kristen
Hope you're feeling somewhat better 😃
I have been through what you're going through and you shouldn't have any fears. The Numb Chin Syndrome is very rare and if you have no other symptoms (such as loss of vision , seizures, dizziness, nausea etc) you do not have to worry about this. If however you truly wish to put your mind at rest I suggest you do an MRI. I did one and all was clear.
I have been to several specialists including a neurologist and a dentist who specializes on TMJ and spent over a thousand euros on visits, mouth gaurds, pills etc. They ultimately all suggested that this numb chin could be due to stress, anxiety and similar things. I have been through daily stress at work and a period of serious stress due to a breakup but other than that I'm quite an easy going and very active guys (do lots of sports). Having said this, I still have this damn numb chin which has been bothering me since October, at times feeling my lower jaw, chin etc super numb and swollen.
However lately I'm feeling somewhat better. Made some changes during my daily lifestyle which might have attributed to this:
Hope the above helps and that you're relieved from this numbness asap!
Take care
Chris
Lovemy2bbs nate73255
Posted
I have this as well and I'm terrified.
My son hit my face a week ago and the buzzing sesntation started a day after so my doctor things its an irritated nerve. Google has me terrified.
lucy10563 Lovemy2bbs
Posted
Hi,
I understand how frightening it is....I was beside myself with worry on google. Mine just came on for no reason however after 2-3 weeks its completely disapeared. It could well be trauma from being hit there, hopefully give it a few weeks as it can take a while for nerves to repair themselves.
Sorry I cant be more help but didnt want to read and run because I know how frightening it is to go through.
Take care x
Lovemy2bbs lucy10563
Posted
thank for your reply lucy! did you ever get any testing or anything? was your doctor worried? Im paralyized with fear but im just as scared of medical testing .
lucy10563 Lovemy2bbs
Posted
you're welcome....no i went to the doctor and he said it was a bit odd (which of course freaked me out more) however said to give it 2 weeks and if no better he would send me for an MRI. Im glad in hind sight because i think going for an MRI would have been an ordeal in its self. I suppose I thought 2 weeks wouldnt make a huge difference anyway and thank god it just went away.
obviously that was just my experience so I cant give you medical advice but just sharing what happened to me.
anyway I feel for you I remember how scary it was at the time so felt I had to reply like some kind people did for me at the time.
good luck and let us know how you get on.
take care
Lucy