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Author Topic: facial spasms/paralysis  (Read 3713 times)

sarahinPA

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facial spasms/paralysis
« on: December 21, 2010, 08:03:19 pm »
Hello everyone! I am 3 weeks away from my 2 year post op anniversary (Gamma Knife , Jan 14, 2009). In the last 3 months or so, I have been experiencing facial paralysis/spasms while i am laughing or smiling alot. My AN side always feels tighter than the other side, and i experience some twitching and smaller spasms in my upper lip and lower part of my eye. I contacted my neurosurgeon today, and he suggested having an MRI sooner than my annual check up. This has me slightly nervous, and I was just wondering if anyone else has had this type of experience?
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2.3cm Diagnosed 12/19/08
Gamma Knife @ UPMC Pittsburgh 1/12/09
.2mm Regrowth 6/2011
Translab 7/29/11 @ UPMC
     temporary paralysis of throat-feeding tube 8 days; SSD; facial numbness; blood clot & pnemonia developed; 11 days hospital stay.

nancyann

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Re: facial spasms/paralysis
« Reply #1 on: December 23, 2010, 06:41:11 am »
Hi Sara:  I have total paralysis right side post AN surgery,  so I never had this experience. 
I'm glad to hear you called your neurosurgeon on this. 
Always good thoughts,  Nancy
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2.2cm length x 1.7cm width x 1.3cm  depth
retrosigmoid 6/19/06
Gold weight 7/19/06, removed 3/07
lateral tarsel strip X3
T3 procedure 11/20/07
1.6 Gm platinum weight 7/10/08
lateral canthal sling 11/14/08
Jones tube insert right inner eye 2/27/09
2.4 Gm. Platinum chain 2017
right facial paralysis

Shan1014

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Re: facial spasms/paralysis
« Reply #2 on: January 22, 2011, 07:15:12 pm »
Hi,
I just happened to see your post.  I hope things are well for you and you found out some answers.  You described my facial issues perfectly and so I thought I would respond.  I usually don't look through this section of the forum but..... this past week I had facial paralysis or a strong spasm a few times this week for the first time.  Also, lots of twitches in my upper lip and eye... and it is my AN side.  I discovered that mine occurred anytime I was jogging (I am a PE teacher :)   I called my doctor and he thought it is probably my tumor shrinking... at least we both think it is.  I had surgery last March and it grew back so then I had radiation in September.  I am having my second MRI next week and am hoping that it shows that it is shrinking. My AN was pretty large, over 4 cm, so it created a fairly large space.  Now, if I can just fill it back up with brains :)  Hope all has gone well for you.  Take care.
Shannon
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4.1cm AN 85% de-bulked on 3/09/10
Dr. Willis & Dr. Macias- Phoenix Banner Hospital
July 2010 MRI shows fast re-growth
(FSR) Stereotactic Radiation Novalis Tx 9/27/10 5 days
Hearing loss and slight Bells Palsy Left side
Experiencing balance, facial numbness, double vision, headaches, & fatigue

sarahinPA

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Re: facial spasms/paralysis
« Reply #3 on: February 02, 2011, 08:16:25 pm »
Hi All,
I received a letter from my doctor today which explained that my recent MRI is showing my AN 2mm bigger on the skull side. This could be from swelling from the gamma knife 2 years ago, or it could be regrowth, which he says is only a 2% chance. I took a 6 day dose of steroids and am asked to return to get another MRI in June. This was slightly discouraging for me today, I was hoping for better news, but I guess we have to take what is given to us. Thank you for your support.
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2.3cm Diagnosed 12/19/08
Gamma Knife @ UPMC Pittsburgh 1/12/09
.2mm Regrowth 6/2011
Translab 7/29/11 @ UPMC
     temporary paralysis of throat-feeding tube 8 days; SSD; facial numbness; blood clot & pnemonia developed; 11 days hospital stay.
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