Multiple sclerosis (MS) can damage the nerves and cause lesions on parts of the brain that control sensations. As many as 60 percent of people with MS experience altered sensations, or changes to the way they sense things. While it may not be a common neurological symptom of MS, some people have reported feeling heat and sensitivity on one side of their face.

“I’m having a problem with just the left side of my face feeling hot (but not to the touch) and very sensitive to touch,” one MyMSTeam member wrote. “It happens periodically and comes and goes.”

If you experience symptoms like this, here’s what you need to know about how they may be connected to MS or other conditions.

Why MS Might Cause Facial Heating and Sensitivity

There are a few reasons why people diagnosed with MS might experience facial heating and/or sensitivity.

Nerve Pain

Neuropathic pain, or nerve pain, is common in MS. It’s caused by nerve damage in the brain and spinal cord (central nervous system). Neuropathic pain can come in many forms, ranging from mild discomfort to intense sharp pain or burning. It may also cause numbness or prickling sensations. More than 41,000 members of MyMSTeam report experiencing pain or numbness related to their MS.

Nerve pain can occur in any part of the body, and it may happen only on one side. “I have nerve pain on the left side of my face,” shared one member.

Trigeminal Neuralgia

Trigeminal neuralgia (TN) is a problem with the nerves that often causes facial pain. This pain can be so severe that it makes completing daily activities difficult or impossible. The trigeminal nerve branches throughout the forehead and sides of the face. Pressure on or damage to this nerve causes TN.

Individuals with MS are more likely to experience TN than people without MS. Though TN can affect people without MS, it can be a specific MS symptom.

People with TN may experience different types of pain. Some have short, recurring bouts of extreme pain that may feel like a sudden electric shock or a burning sensation. Others describe a stabbing sensation that comes on suddenly through daily activities, such as eating or brushing their teeth.

Some MyMSTeam members living with TN have shared how much better they feel after successful treatment. “The nerve that causes trigeminal neuralgia has been removed. I’m free of facial pain!” wrote one member.

Surgery is one treatment option for TN. Some people respond well to medications. Talk to your doctor about treatment options for TN, as the right treatment option for you will depend on the underlying cause of the condition.

Migraine

Sensory symptoms are common symptoms of migraine with aura. Migraines are more common in people with MS than in the general population. In one study of people with relapsing-remitting MS (RRMS), 41 percent had migraine as well as MS. Of those people, nearly half had migraine with aura. Women with MS and those taking a disease-modifying therapy (DMT) had a higher risk for migraines.

More than 1,500 members of MyMSTeam report having migraines as well as MS. More than 25,000 members report headaches as a symptom of MS.

Common Causes of Facial Heat or Sensitivity

One or both sides of your face may feel sensitive for reasons that don’t directly relate to MS. Other potential causes of facial redness or sensitivity include:

• Hot flashes related to menopause
• Rosacea (a common skin condition)
• High fever due to illness
• Hot or spicy foods
• Alcohol
• Exercise
• Strong emotions

MyMSTeam members have shared their experiences with several of these conditions. One wrote, “One of the extra delights MS has given me is rosacea. My skin burns like mad.”

“My face goes 50 shades of red (LOL), then the sweat starts rolling down my face,” shared another member. “It’s really uncomfortable. I don’t know if it’s the MS, or if maybe I could be going into early menopause.”

Others have described burning sensations in their cheeks from other skin conditions. “I’m having an eczema flare-up on my face. It makes my eyes burn and water!” said one member.

Common Causes of Facial Pain

Similarly, pain in the face can be a result of many conditions that are more common than MS. It’s possible to have any of these conditions along with MS, which may make it harder to diagnose exactly what’s causing the symptom. For instance, facial pain may be caused by:

• Temporomandibular joint disorder (TMJ), a problem with the jaw joint
• A severe dental infection or abscess
• Shingles, a viral infection caused by the virus that causes chicken pox
• A sinus infection

Depression, stress, and anxiety can also cause people to experience facial pain.

Since these are common conditions, it’s no surprise that many MyMSTeam members report having one or more along with MS. “I’m dealing with painful shingles on the left side of my face,” said one member. Another wrote, “Having that jaw joint disorder TMJ and MS do not mix.🙁”

Rare Conditions Leading to Heat or Sensitivity on One Side

It might be statistically unlikely, but there’s always a chance your symptoms have an even less common cause than MS. Harlequin syndrome is an extremely rare condition that causes people to suddenly turn red on one side of their body in the face, neck, arm, or chest. It’s possible for MS to cause Harlequin syndrome.

Talk to Your Doctor About Facial Heat and Sensitivity

As always, if you’re experiencing new or worsening symptoms of MS, talk to your neurologist. They can help you determine the cause — whether it’s MS, a related condition, or something else entirely — and find a treatment option that works for you.

If you’re having MS relapses despite taking a DMT, your doctor may recommend switching to a highly effective DMT. If the sensations are related to neuropathic pain, they may recommend symptom management medications such as:

• Gabapentin
• Specific antidepressants
• Botulinum toxin (Botox) injections

Always be sure to let your neurology team know how MS symptoms are affecting you. Your quality of life is important, and there are often steps you can take to manage symptoms and feel better.

Find Your Team

MyMSTeam is the social network for people with multiple sclerosis and their loved ones. On MyMSTeam, more than 215,000 members come together to ask questions, give advice, and share their stories with others who understand life with MS.

Do you struggle with heat or pain on one side of your face? Have you been diagnosed with trigeminal neuralgia alongside MS? Share your experiences and tips in the comments below, or start a conversation on your Activities page.