New Lopsided Smile

[Christmas1963]

Anyone lost some of the use of their mouth....as in all of a sudden my son wakes up one morning and can only smile with half of his mouth. Very weird. We are currently hoping the Consultant will investigate this on Wednesday as even though in range ....his folic and B12 are consistently reducing over a period of time.

[Foggyme Administrator]

Hi Christmas1963. How odd! I haven't come across this as a symptom of B12 deficency (but that doesn't mean it's definitely not one).

How old is your son? Does he have any other health issues? What consultant is your son seeing on Wednesday? Does he have weakness or reduced function in his arms or legs (particularly one sided weakness). Is his speech or eating affected?

To be honest, if this was a symptom an adult described, I'd advise them to go straight to A & E and get it checked out.

Or at the very least, to get an emergency same day appointment with a GP.

I say this not to frighten you, but simply to err on the side of caution, especially where a child is concerned 😀.

Hope you manage to sort this out for your son.

Take care and please post again if you need any further help and please do let us know how you get on. Always people here to help, if needed 😀

P.s. If you are concerned that your son may have B12 deficiency it might be a good idea to read the PAS pinned posts (to the right of the page when you log on). Might give you some idea of things to raise with his consultant on Wednesday. Also - there is a check list for B12 deficiency symptoms on the PAS website that you can print off. It'd be a good idea to see if you can identity any of the symptoms as being relevant to what is happening to your son - again, more things to go through at your hospital appointment. x

[deniseinmilden]

Have you checked that he hasn't had a minor stroke? Please treat this as a possible emergency.

Wishing all well.

[Margo]

Was thinking it sounds more like a stroke and should be investigated.

[Lilian15]

If it is Bells Palsy they usually try steroid tablets first, but they should be given within 24 hours of having it for any real effect. It is more likely to be Bells Palsy than a stroke. Check whether he can blink, as it can affect the eye as well. He will think he is blinking but if he is not, or not blinking quick enough, the eye should be covered with a patch to avoid anything getting in the eye and doing damage.

[Lindylanka]

Second. bells Palsy as possible, especially if he does not remember any unusual event, feelings etc.

[redkatruby]

Sounds like Bell's palsy

[Foggyme Administrator]

Interesting comments about Bell's Palsy. Rare in children, usually due to viral infection, occasionally due to bacterial infection (i.e. Ears) when swelling compresses nerves....usually resolves on its own (but can sometimes be long lasting).

Bell's Palsy is only diagnosed when other possible cause have been ruled out, so....sudden paralysis always best treated as an emergency, in the first instance (especially where a child is concerned).

Here's a link if anybody wants to read more (specifically in relation to children):

kidshealth.org/en/kids/bell...

😀😀

Edit: should have added, a host of other causes of Bell's Palsy, including Lymes Disease 😖

[betwelve]

My nephew (age 32) has a similar partial face paralysis. Was first diagnosed with Bell's Palsy. After extensive testing they discovered the BP was due to advanced stage Lymes Disease. He's doing well and starting to get some facial movement. Lymes can affect immune system and trigger a myriad of annoyances. Diagnosis isn't always straightforward, seek the best.

[Hidden]

My daughter now 16 and b12 300 heavily symptomatic being investigated due to my deficency (poss PA under investigation) had the same when she was about 5 she was treated for Bell's palsy although we were told it was very rare in her age group. She has has a lot of other investigations due to leg pain pins and needles breathlessness since she was 8! I feel as if I have been walking slowly up a mountain with her on my back since she was born! Don't know if this helps. She had a course of steroids for the Bells.