The "numb cheek-limp lower lid" syndrome

Neurology. 1991 Feb;41(2 ( Pt 1)):327-8. doi: 10.1212/wnl.41.2_part_1.327.

Abstract

A patient developed isolated numbness, 1st confined to the lateral nose and upper lip, but later involving the cheek, lower lip, upper gingiva, and the palate. This numbness was later associated with paresis of the muscles of the upper lip and angle of the mouth and with ipsilateral lower lid droop (the "numb cheek-limp lower lid" syndrome). Squamous cell carcinoma was discovered infiltrating the infraorbital nerve and distal branches of the facial nerve. Cheek numbness associated with lower eyelid or upper lip weakness may herald a neoplasm affecting the infraorbital nerve and distal facial nerve branches.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Carcinoma, Squamous Cell / complications*
  • Carcinoma, Squamous Cell / diagnosis
  • Cheek
  • Cranial Nerve Neoplasms / complications*
  • Cranial Nerve Neoplasms / diagnosis
  • Eyelids
  • Facial Muscles*
  • Facial Nerve*
  • Humans
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging
  • Male
  • Muscular Diseases / etiology
  • Nervous System Neoplasms / complications*
  • Nervous System Neoplasms / diagnosis
  • Orbit / innervation*
  • Syndrome