Recurent Facial weakness, ear pain, ringing in ear

[jmw]

New to forum. I have had had recurrent unilateral lower facial weakness for 7 years. Also had recurrent ringing in ear. All MRI's, CT's, were negative. About three weeks ago started with the weakness and ringing in ear which is now permanent. Also now have ear pain and pain in area in front of ear and mastoid area. Dr. prescribed viral meds 3000mg/day for 10 days and steroid-dose pack four days ago thinking I had viral infection of facial nerve. Also now have small lump behind ear, 2 to 3 CM which is painless. Meds have not helped yet. So my question is could this be tumor of facial nerve, a AN  or parotid gland tumor? Pain seems to be getting worst. Also being near New Orleans need direction on what Dr's are best in treating this condition in this area. Thanks!

[CHD63]

Hi jmw .....

Welcome to this forum.  Although we all hope you do not have an acoustic neuroma, you certainly need to find out what is causing your troubling symptoms.

You do not mention any hearing loss or balance issues, which are often early symptoms of an AN.  When was your last MRI with contrast done?  An MRI with contrast is the most accurate way to determine if you have an AN.  If your last scanning was via CT or an MRI without contrast or more than a year ago, you need a current MRI with contrast to rule out (or determine the presence of) an AN.

Since ANs grow in the internal auditory canal, lumps behind the ear would be most likely be from some other cause.

We are not medical professionals on this forum, but we do collectively have many experiences to share.  Hopefully others who may have had similar experiences will add comments soon.

Thoughts and prayers.

Clarice

[jmw]

Thanks for quick reply. Been several years since MRI. They now want to do MRI, but I have little confidence in Doctors even though my symptoms have changed recently. Does anyone on this forum know what I should be asking before MRI-Ex: slice size, area shot, contrast material, etc...? Thanks again.

[CHD63]

Hi again .....

Any doctor (even your PCP) can order an MRI with contrast, which is the most definitive way to determine the presence of neuromas or tumors of any kind.  The Tesla 3 MRI machine is more powerful and can take smaller slices, which theoretically will pick up very small growths.

If I were you, I would contact the physician with whom you have the most confidence and he/she can order the appropriate MRI with contrast (usually gadolinium) if you explain all of your symptoms to him/her.  Then, when you have the report, it will be time to seek the best specialist you can find to determine appropriate treatment for whatever it is.  If it turns out to be an acoustic neuroma (aka vestibular schwannoma), the anausa.org has wonderful resources to guide you in the decision-making process.

Let us know what you find out.

Thoughts and prayers.

Clarice