cbommana,

Welcome to NeuroTalk.

It sounds like your brother needs the contrast study so they can rule out neuritis which is an inflammation of the nerve. The right hand and right leg weakness sounds like he may have suffered a neck injury or trauma.

I doubt they can tell if the pharyngeal mucosal space cyst is the direct cause of the face numbness. There are other areas where this cranial nerve can be inflamed such as the neck. The recovered hand and leg weakness suggests the neck was involved.

Did he suffer any trauma like a car accident or fall?

An imaging study of his cervical vertebra may be in order.

Sounds like all we have are more question than answers. The steroids usually show at least some improvement quickly. If he starts to slowly improve, that is usually consider a confirmation of the diagnosis. Nerve healing can be slow. He needs to have good B-12 and folic acid levels for nerve healing. A 500 to 1000 mcg daily of B-12 plus a B-50 complex daily would be good.

As Jo*mar said, has he had seizures?

Let us know how else we can help.

My best to you and your brother.