My brother recently suffered with numbness on the right side of his face, he also experienced weakness in the right hand and right leg but quickly recovered. Now, even after 2-3 days his facial weakness still exists. He got the MRI scan done yesterday and the report indicates "Incidental finding of left pharyngeal mucosal space retention cyst." and rest is normal. He is also unable to close his right eye lid.
We are not sure what it means but the Neurologist confirmed it as Bell's Palsy, suggested him steriods and facial physiotherapy for a month.

Can you please analyse the attached MRI and help us by giving more details on what exactly this finding means and precautions to be taken to avoid re-occuring.

Thanks in advance !
CB

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Does he have Epilepsy also?
Just wondered as this is posted in the Epilepsy forum.

[he also experienced weakness in the right hand and right leg but quickly recovered.]

Our General Health Conditions & Rare Disorders might be a better fit.
http://neurotalk.psychcentral.com/forum2.html

Also use the search link in my siggy to find other posts for Bells Palsy, that might be the best way to find other posters on the condition.

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.

Thanks Mark for the details.

Jo*mar & Mark,
No he did not suffer with seizures as such but for 2-3 minutes he experienced weakness in the right hand and right leg only.

He did not suffer with any neck injury/trauma, he is 29 years old.

We would like to know the precautions to be taken to avoid this situation from repeating.

Thanks in advance !