What Causes Tingling Sensation Above The Left Lip?

Posted on Sun, 15 May 2016

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Sun, 15 May 2016 Answered on

Wed, 22 Jun 2016 Last reviewed on

Question : Having tingling above left lip for about 3 weeks now that comes and goes, lasting 10 sec to 1 min. I did get a few pimples in the area (not cold sores). Recently noticed that when I touch the scar where the pimple was the tingling immediately comes back. Worried this could be MS or something serious because of other symptoms. History: 34 year old female, 95 pounds, no medications. I also have had a tingling on and off under my right shoulder blade on and off for 1 year. Both arms fall asleep easily, esp. when sleeping. Past 6 months getting occasional mild muscle spasms, butt. shoulder, back. Blood work done CBC, CMP, TSH, celiac 2 months ago all came back normal except slightly low ferritin level- , I have had a root canal 1st molar on the left upper, I also have had twice 5 and 6 years ago where my neck muscles became so sore I could barely turn my head for a week (I only saw a chiropractor for treatment though). Should I be concerned?

Answered by Dr. Vasudha (3 hours later)

Brief Answer:
It's trigeminal neualgia due to local/ spinal cause.MS to be excluded

Detailed Answer:
hi XXXX,
Thanks for the query. I have read & understood your concern.
Your description of symptoms point to-
- Trigeminal neuralgia as the cause. Trigeminal nerve takes the sensations from face to brain. Either compression/ damage( demylination)/ age wise changes/ Multiple sclerosis lead to such problem.
-Alternatively compression of the nerve at cervical spinal level can lead to same symptoms.
*-Looking at your symptoms.. involving (shoulders, scapula, hands) upper exrimity/symptoms being triggered by touching the scars on lip..& history of dental treatment in past I feel cervical spondylitis or local trigeminal neuralgia should be considered as a cause ... Though Multiple sclerosis needs to be excluded with it's specific investigations along with normal Imaging ( CT scan/ MRI ) of spinal cord & brain.. as per need & advise of an expert,
* In this context I would advise you to consult a spinal surgeon/ dental surgeon first.. who will look for the spinal cause first & the refer you to neurosurgeon if indicated.
* Management would be cause specific..
But be relaxed with expert advise & help you would be successful in managing the problem very well.
I hope the answer is both informative & useful to you. Any follow up query is welcome,
Thanks,

Note: Hope the answers resolves your concerns, however for further guidance of skin related queries consult our Dermatologist.Click here to book a consultation

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar